It may seem rather paradoxical that I was asked to speak on the world food problem from the pessimistic standpoint, when various people consider me to be of the optimistic group. In fact,there is no contradiction. I am optimistic as far as natural resources and the possibilities of techniques are concerned. I am pessimistic as far as human behaviour is concerned. Before going any further, one wonders about the real extent of the food problem in the world. Opinions vary in this respect. Certain experts accuse the FAO of voluntarily worsening the situation. I have recently read an article published in a very serious American review in which the author states that only seventy million people in the world are suffering from lack of food. We must not be too surprised to find such contradictory opinions. In fact, to appreciate the food situation of a country or of a certain group of people one has to compare consumptions which are not well known to needs which are no better known. The FAO evaluations often vary as well for the needs as for the appreciation of the food situation of some countries.