Building a Sustainable Global Food System
The pandemic and the war in Ukraine have contributed to global shortages worldwide, one of the most notable being disruptions in the global food supply chain. Massive shortages of grain and fertiliser is expected to drive tens of millions into food insecurity as supply falls and prices increase. However, this situation offers an opportunity to examine the world’s food systems, and how resilient and sustainable they can be with proper processes in place. Even prior to the current events exacerbating the stress on the food supply chain, these systems were not serving populations in an equitable or sustainable manner. So what are the issues inherent in the supply chain and what can we do to fix them?
Changing How We Get Food
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations demonstrate the interconnectedness of climate change and our food systems. The SDG to “end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” is considered essential while addressing climate change. Our food systems have been identified as being harmful to the climate and in turn, the climate is now further harming our food systems, making reform inevitable.
Furthermore, the UN has recognised that predominantly poor and rural populations make up a significant portion of those experiencing food insecurity. This issue is intersectional, and reinventing the global food supply chain to address these issues is an overwhelming task that requires the contribution of farmers, consumers, the government and corporations.
What do Sustainable Food Systems Look Like?
Due to the global nature of the food supply chain, no country has achieved a “perfect” food system. In fact, some sections of the food supply chain are clearly not viable. For many products, the existing value chain holds labour abuses, environmental degradation, and inequities, leading to some calling for shorter value chains that are easier to oversee and more capable of capturing the economic value of a product where it was sourced from.
Around the world, countries have identified different issues in how they source and manage their food production and intake. The Food Sustainability Index takes note of this and has worked to produce a scheme which scores the sustainability of food systems based on three main pillars: food loss and waste, agricultural and nutritional challenges. The United States currently ranks 30th out of a total 78 participating countries with a score of 66 out of 100. Notably, the United States falls below average when it comes to sustainable agriculture practices.
Transforming these practices to be more sustainable and reversing land degradation requires a deep understanding of soil, land, water and nutrients management. With increased funding, education and cooperation, the global efforts to reform our food systems and mitigate climate change will lead to longer lasting systems.
To find out more about sustainable food systems and how you can contribute to the transition, visit the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website to look for upcoming workshops and events aimed at reducing food insecurity, establishing sustainable agriculture and achieving a sustainable and equitable manner.
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