Food and agriculture stand today at a crossroads. Looking back, major improvements in agricultural productivity have been recorded over recent decades to satisfy the food demand of a growing global population. But progress has often come with social and environmental costs, including water scarcity, soil degradation, ecosystem stress, biodiversity loss, decreasing fish stocks and forest cover, and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
The productive potential of our natural resources base has been damaged in many places around the globe, compromising the future fertility of the planet.
The path to prosperity is clearly marked by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It requires transformative action, embracing the principles of sustainability and tackling the root causes of poverty and hunger to leave no one behind. As the prime connection between people and the planet, sustainable food and agriculture have great potential to address many of our challenges, serving up affordable, nutritious food, strengthening livelihoods, revitalising rural and urban landscapes, delivering inclusive national growth and driving positive change across the 2030 Agenda.
Key Principals
- Increase productivity, employment and value addition in food systems
- Protect and enhance natural resources
- Improve livelihoods and foster inclusive economic growth
- Enhance the resilience of people, communities and ecosystems
- Adapt governance to new challenges
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