Global Alliance for the Future of Food’s Post

This week has been a WEEK, and I'm ready for a weekend to process (albeit one full of projects), but I wanted to share four key insights I got from conversations with some very wise humans: 1. We need to stop thinking of our food in terms of just agriculture and behind the farm gate, but as a food system. The balance of consumer value is added in the last few kilometres, so how can we capture that earlier? What are the social and environmental impacts of the decisions we make? 2. Management of wild game in Aotearoa is a wicked problem, intersecting with biodiversity, biosecurity, food security, traditional food gathering values, export capital, environmental sustainability, etc. Let's start bringing pan-sector solutions to the table, instead of passing on accountability. 3. The AGMARDT (The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust) Common Ground report is an excellent conversation starter on creating an agrifood system we are proud of. Let's talk not just about what this WILL look like, but about what it COULD and SHOULD look like. What factors can we control and influence? 4. Leadership is not an appointment, but a state of mind and a habit of behaviour. What can you do to pull more seats to the table and increase the diversity of perspectives there? The more we know, the better equipped we are to tackle current issues and future-proof our communities. Photo: sheep near a trig point, because I feel like we are so close, but so short-sighted in how we are tackling some of our big challenges and opportunities. That, and the ocean is a calming force for this currently landlocked human. --- P.S. Do you have a view on leadership development in Aotearoa's agrifood ecosystem? Share your thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/g3mZf4kE #foodandfibre #primaryindustries #agribusiness #agrigood #foodsystem

We were delighted to host a breakout session at this year’s Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, discussing Inclusive Finance for Smallholders in Blue & Green Food Systems, last month. We strongly believe that green and blue food systems are more alike than different. This session reaffirmed the similarities in the producers' challenges and highlighted the urgent need to empower and enable smallholder farmers. That responsibility is shared across entire value chains, from consumers to retailers, processors, policymakers, and financiers, to build resilience and food security and to drive the transition towards sustainable practices. Some other key takeaways: 🤝 Smallholder farmers rely on aggregators to access markets, build capacity, and secure sustainable financing. Banks need to pay more attention to this class of business 📊 Data alone isn’t enough – we need to make sense of the information, linking measurable social and environmental impact with finance to catalyse change A heartfelt thank you to Rethink Events and our incredible panellists Su-E Yap, Bambang Cahyo Susilo, Paolin Pascot, Nick Hill and Patrick Davenport, whose work is making real, tangible changes in the ecosystem in many different ways. If you’re interested in collaborating on sustainable financing for outstanding agriculture and aquaculture businesses, reach out to us to explore how we are connecting high-impact projects with the right capital.

Looking forward to these conversations and hearing more on the 'future of food!'

2 years ago, I Co-Founded Top 50 Farmers with Cindie Christiansen ON MONDAY, nominations are officially opening to find the first 50 European regenerative role models. Why is this so exciting? In Europe, less than 12% of farmers are under the age of 40. We need more diverse representation to inspire and attract the next generation. We also need to celebrate what is working. So many of my channels are filled with the barriers to regenerative agriculture and transforming our food system. What would happen if we spotlighted what is working so that we can encourage more of that? This is what Top 50 Farmers is all about. By spotlighting and empowering farmers: 🌱 applying or transitioning to regen ag 💲 employing innovative business models 🌎 and building resilience in their communities We learn from each other and grow towards a brighter future together. PS: You can nominate a farmer or apply directly. Visit www.top50farmers.org for more information.

Earlier this week Norbert, Anna and I participated in a 2-day workshop hosted in Rome by FAO’s Office of Innovation Vincent Martin. We gathered foresight experts and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the future of agrifood systems, agroecology, and rural advisory services. 🌱 This was amazing. Every time I enter a room that is full with people doing foresight and I don't know at least 50% of them, I rejoice. The community is growin fast. Here are some key topics: *Democratizing science, technology, and innovation (STI): Not just about access, but also empowering vulnerable actors. **Making foresight more inclusive, relevant, and impactful: Ensuring it's operational and translated into actionable steps. ***Context-relevant and holistic solutions: Advancements in one domain should drive positive change across others. ****Participatory governance approaches: Ensuring equitable development and adoption of technologies and innovations. *****Diverse perspectives are key: Including those of farmers and civil society to find innovative solutions. This is just the beginning! FAO is now working on foresigght through a Community of Practice with key stakeholders and partners to harness the power of foresight for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems. More to come! #foresight #agrifoodsystems #innovation #sustainability Photo: Norbert Kołos

To borrow an expression: 'As California goes, so goes the nation.' California is the nation's top ag-producing state. California grows 50% of the nations total fruit & vegetable production. California is going to create a definition of 'Regenerative.' California's definition has the potential to impact foods that all Americans care about. If you are at Expo West on Friday 3/15, come to this Roundtable and be part of the discussion. I'll be speaking and advocating for organic.

Dairy production is a net positive good for quality of life and provide much-needed high-quality protein around the world. We should never stop improving, but dairy cows and dairy products are good for the planet. I hope to see you in two weeks at the THRIVE Global Impact Summit where I am joining a panel to discuss how we are leveraging technology and innovation in the dairy industry to address the climate challenge. I'm sure we'll talk about genetics and genetic innovation as the start of a more sustainable food supply! ABS Global Genus PLC #sustainableAg #sustainableGenetics #sustainability

Have you ever noticed how the best ideas come when you work with people outside your usual circle? Working at Bayer, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to team up across different backgrounds and expertise – and it turns out that’s exactly what the world needs to tackle food security and climate challenges. 🌍 Agriculture is at a crossroads, and new partnerships are pushing innovations like precision farming and regenerative practices that could change everything. Seeing this kind of collaboration in action is inspiring – check out this Financial Times article to dive deeper into how it’s transforming food systems: https://lnkd.in/g6ie95hp

Soil is the lifeblood of agriculture, sustaining about 95% of food production globally. Yet, it is under threat - 33% of Earth's soils are degraded, and this could rise to 90% by 2050. Shailendra Mishra, our Global Head of Sustainability for the Food and Feed Business, explains that regenerative agriculture offers a solution to not only mitigate climate change but also enhances farmer livelihoods and ensures long-term food security. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gE3P45pd Hear from Shailendra at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit where he will be discussing "New Approaches to Regenerative Agriculture for Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration" alongside Perpetua G., Nana Kuenkel, Ira Noviarti, Katrina Hayter and Stephan Weise.

Have you ever noticed how the best ideas come when you work with people outside your usual circle? Working at Bayer, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to team up across different backgrounds and expertise – and it turns out that’s exactly what the world needs to tackle food security and climate challenges. 🌍 Agriculture is at a crossroads, and new partnerships are pushing innovations like precision farming and regenerative practices that could change everything. Seeing this kind of collaboration in action is inspiring – check out this Financial Times article to dive deeper into how it’s transforming food systems: https://lnkd.in/gv7FfGdS