HOW CAN WE IMPROVE THE FOOD SYSTEM?

Efforts to promote sustainable food systems that deliver food and nutrition security for all, in ways that support economic development, positive social outcomes and protect the natural environment, are needed. Addressing this global challenge requires a multidisciplinary and food systems approach, considering not only agriculture and consumption patterns, but also other components of the food system, including retailers, food processors, technology providers and financial institutions.

Many of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) set by the United Nations are relevant to the food system. The focal food SDG is to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG2). This is linked to many of the other goals including, reducing poverty (SDG1), health for all (SDG3), economic growth (SDG8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG9), inequality (SDG10), sustainable production and consumption (SDG12), climate change (SDG13), oceans and seas (SDG14) and ecosystems, biodiversity and forests (SDG15). These SDGs were developed as interlinked goals and sustainable food security is one of the issues underlying the achievement of multiple targets.