For people who are having trouble getting enough tech points to get higher levels of farming before the food runs out, I suggest starting the game in 1/2 speed mode. The villagers don't eat as often therefore can spend more time at the research table than foraging for food.

In fact, in a couple of games I'm running now, I'm even able to hold off on getting level 3 farming and get the improvements in science and medicine first. (I'm trying to get as much done in a game before having to bury an original villager...)