Canada and the USA plan to have more resilient and sustainable Agri-Food Systems in the face of war, climate crisis, and COVID-19

18 April 2022 — The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues at a rapid pace, and humanitarian emergencies abound. The impacts of the climate crisis, and the COVID-19 Pandemic, are overlapping with the persistent hunger and poverty. FAO claims that it is responding by urgently building resilient Agri-Food Systems. 

This is according QU Dongyu who is the director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. He recently commented on food security at the Informal North American Regional Conference (7th session).

QU Dongyu, director general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

QU Dongyu, director general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

“The US will look to FAO to use its voice, its data, its policy recommendations, and its leadership to implement the Council’s decision and address the far-reaching food security effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine,” says Ambassador Cindy McCain, permanent representative of the US Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome (FAO, WFP, IFAD). 

“We also are ready to work with FAO to achieve an ambitious climate change strategy that addresses mitigation and adaptation and bolsters agricultural resilience while making food systems part of the solution. And, we will support the science and innovation strategy as a critical tool,” she adds. 

“It is in all of our interests that FAO succeeds, to avoid the human suffering, instability, and loss of potential that we know food insecurity causes, and to ultimately get back on track to achieve SDG 2 and the broader 2030 Agenda,” adds Ambassador Elissa Golberg, permanent representative of Canada to the UN Agencies in Rome (IFAD, FAO, WFP). 

“Canada stands ready to be a constructive Member, a thoughtful partner, and an active stakeholder as we seek to deliver effective solutions for sustainable transformation of food systems.”  

Over the three-day conference, FAO’s leadership presented the Organization’s vision as outlined in the Strategic Framework 2022-31, which aims to support the 2030 Agenda by creating more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems.

Innovation for sustainable agrifood systems
The informal conference provided an update on the effects of the war in Ukraine upon global food value-chains for grains and oilseeds, fertilizer, and other factors that could affect food security in countries already vulnerable to malnutrition and hunger. 

Canada and the USA emphasized the importance of FAO and other UN agencies assessing the damage and loss from the conflict and contributing to a reconstruction plan.

Last week FoodIngredientsFirst reported how EU officials are working with the UN’s World Food Programme to counter the growing impact of ingredient and fertilizer shortages in vulnerable areas like the MENA region and Balkans – something blamed on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Last month, the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), held a crisis meeting to discuss solutions to the soaring prices of fertilizer.

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer prices alone were up to £1,000 (US$ 1,300) a metric ton compared with £280 (US$370) a ton last year. Based on the energy required for production, the first time fertilizer costs rose was due to the rise in wholesale gas prices.

Other key areas discussed were climate adaptation and mitigation, gender equality, private sector engagement, science and innovation, FAO’s governance reforms and FAO’s lead role in the UN Food Systems Summit Coordination Hub.

Overall, the two FAO Members recognized and encouraged FAO’s leadership in the areas of agri-food systems transformation and resilience building, capitalizing on FAO’s organizational capacities and competencies to provide tools, guidance and support to Members. 

In order to improve collaboration between FAO, the North American Region (which includes Canada and the US), and FAO, the INARC was created in 2010. This forum allows these two FAO members to share their priorities with FAO, and for mutual exchanging on the best way forward for effective implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2030-21.  

The next INARC will be held in 2024, and will be hosted at the Canadian government. 

Gaynor Selby edited.

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