Agriculture is a fundamental societal activity, characterized by many different landscapes, crops, markets, and participants. Food, agricultural, and biofuels products are central to the daily life of all citizens, though most do not recognize the fragility of the environment that brings forth this abundance. As is noted in the 2012 report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Agricultural Preparedness and the United States Agricultural Research Enterprise (PCAST, 2012) the food and agricultural system faces constant challenges in: <
ul>
<
li>
Managing new pests, pathogens, and invasive plants. <
/li>
<
li>
Increasing the efficiency of water use. <
/li>
<
li>
Growing food in a changing climate. <
/li>
<
li>
Reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. <
/li>
<
li>
Managing the production of bioenergy. <
/li>
<
li>
Producing safe and nutritious food. <
/li>
<
li>
Assisting with global food security and maintaining abundant yields.<
/li>
<
/ul>
Science Breakthroughs 2030 was organized to identify the most compelling research directions in food and agriculture, in particular those empowered by the application of insights and tools from disciplines of science and engineering not typically associated with food and agricultural research. A committee appointed by the Chairman of the National Research Council explored ideas for research directions with input from the scientific community, with the objective of producing a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to address major problems and create new opportunities in food and agriculture. Following numerous meetings, a jamboree, and town hall, the appointed committee prepared a report that has subsequently become a reference for federal agencies supporting research in the food and agricultural space. It highlights five key areas for research investment with broad application across food and agriculture: integrated systems research
sensor development
data mining and information sciences, genomics
and the microbiome.