Biofortification: Progress toward a more nourishing future

Biofortification, the process of breeding nutrients into food crops, provides a sustainable, long-term strategy for delivering micronutrients to rural populations in developing countries. Crops are being bred for higher levels of micronutrients using both conventional and transgenic breeding methods; several conventional varieties have been released, while additional conventional and transgenic varieties are in the breeding pipeline. The results of efficacy and effectiveness studies, as well as recent successes in delivery, provide evidence that biofortification is a promising strategy for combating hidden hunger. This review highlights progress to date and identifies challenges faced in delivering biofortified crops.

► Biofortification is a sustainable strategy for delivering micronutrients.
► The strategy is targeted to rural populations in developing countries.
► Both conventional and transgenic methods are used to breed micronutrient-dense crops.
► Biofortified sweet potato delivery increased micronutrient intakes in target populations.
► Efficacy and effectiveness studies provide evidence for the promise of biofortification.