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Read UNDP's latest report, “Navigating Complexity in Food Systems: From Clockwork to Cloudwork” is a call to action for international development organizations and all stakeholders committed to transform food systems, to shape a new vision that embraces complexity to deal with today’s growing challenges.

Our global Food Systems are in a critical state. Facing multi-dimensional challenges such as:    🏠 Farmer incomes below living standards  🍎 Availability and affordability of food  🥗 Food safety  🌱 Nutritional quality, diversity and sustainability of food  💼 Employment creation and stability  ⚖️ Political stability    What’s the most effective approach to confront these challenges?    Our latest report, “Navigating Complexity in Food Systems: From Clockwork to Cloudwork” is a call to action for international development organizations and all stakeholders committed to transform food systems, to shape a new vision that embraces complexity to deal with today’s growing challenges.     Read it today: https://lnkd.in/dnjdw7qY 

Is the problem facing Food Systems complicated or complex? The answer matters because if we get it wrong we apply the wrong solutions to the problem. Read UNDP’s latest report which explains the difference and (spoiler alert) contains a great cartoon…

Hands up if you've been concerned about the price of fresh food recently??? The NRWC made a submission as part of an inquiry into food security in Australia. Some of OUR recommendations included: ✅ Develop, fund and implement a National Food and Nutrition Security Strategy ✅ Increase investment in sustainable primary production and the circular food economy. ✅ Undertake a serious review of food prices in RRR Australia and address this food security inequity as a priority. ✅ Water is a precious resource. Ensure water security is included as a priority in all government strategies ✅ Increase funding to address food waste across the whole food system. ✅ Increase investment in sustainable primary production. You can read the NRWC submission in full on our webpage https://lnkd.in/gga52Ggp In December 2023 following the enquiry, the Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee made 35 recommendations to address food security in Australia, including: > creating a comprehensive National Food Plan; > appointing a Minister for Food; > establishing a National Food Council; > developing a National Food Supply Chain Map; > measures to facilitate innovation in the production of food; and > measures to eliminate food waste.

The pandemic and recent reports have highlighted food insecurity and the urgent need for a diversified food-processing sector in Canada. One issue with Canada's food system is the much-talked-about "missing middle." Addressing it can change our food system and make it secure, sustainable, and diversified. MWAF's partner, the Small Scale Food Processors Association (SSFPA), has teamed up with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute to offer a webinar about the missing middle:   The Missing Middle: Policy Intervention in Regional Food Systems. March 20th, at 11:00 AM EST.   Join us to explore how policymakers can bridge the gap between large-scale agricultural production and local food systems to promote sustainability, resilience, and equitable access to nutritious food. Experts will analyze innovative policy interventions to support regional food systems, foster community engagement, and address key challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic disparity. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or advocate, join us to explore practical strategies and best practices for shaping policies that empower and sustain regional food systems for the benefit of communities worldwide. REGISTER HERE! https://lnkd.in/eZDGmEQ4.

Food System Horizons is working on the true cost of food in Australia, following recent international reports on this topic. Cecile GODDE and Fentahun Abebe have summarised the issues in our latest policy insights brief. https://lnkd.in/gjsNteX7

The pandemic and recent reports have highlighted food insecurity and the urgent need for a diversified food-processing sector in Canada. One issue with Canada's food system is the much-talked-about "missing middle." Addressing it can change our food system and make it secure, sustainable, and diversified. MWAF's partner, the Small Scale Food Processors Association (SSFPA), has teamed up with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute to offer a webinar about the missing middle:   The Missing Middle: Policy Intervention in Regional Food Systems. March 20th, at 11:00 AM EST.   Join us to explore how policymakers can bridge the gap between large-scale agricultural production and local food systems to promote sustainability, resilience, and equitable access to nutritious food. Experts will analyze innovative policy interventions to support regional food systems, foster community engagement, and address key challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic disparity. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or advocate, join us to explore practical strategies and best practices for shaping policies that empower and sustain regional food systems for the benefit of communities worldwide. REGISTER HERE! https://lnkd.in/ekgq9RwX.

Last week, Small Scale Food Processor Association (SSFPA) and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) delivered a webinar about an essential yet often overlooked aspect of our food system – the "missing middle." This gap between small-scale producers and large-scale market demands presents both challenges and opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and community resilience. The webinar, hosted in collaboration with leading experts from the agriculture policy sphere, food processing associations, and research institutions, aimed to shed light on strategies for nurturing mid-sized operators in the food sector. Key Takeaways: - Supportive Policy Environment: There's a pressing need for policies that cater to mid-sized operators, ensuring they're not overshadowed by the extremes of the scale spectrum. This approach is crucial for revitalizing regional manufacturing infrastructure and encouraging the proliferation of value-added food products. - Collaboration is Key: The success of bridging the missing middle relies on collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and community organizations. Together, we can facilitate access to capital, enhance infrastructure, and foster an ecosystem conducive to the growth of small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector. Innovative Models and Initiatives: The webinar highlighted successful initiatives already bridging the gap in the missing middle. These examples serve as inspiration and practical blueprints for fostering resilient regional food systems. - Call to Action: Addressing the missing middle challenge requires concerted efforts and policies that are inclusive and adaptive to the unique needs of mid-sized food producers and processors. Why You Should Watch the Webinar: Whether you're a policymaker, a member of the food industry, or simply someone interested in the future of our food systems, this webinar offers valuable insights into creating more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food landscapes. Discover practical strategies, success stories, and the collective efforts needed to enhance food security and spur economic development across communities. Watch/Listen to it here: https://lnkd.in/gck36Z_H #MissingMiddleWebinar #FoodSystemInnovation #SustainableAgriculture #AgriFoodPolicy #CollaborationForChange #FoodSecurity #EconomicDevelopment #SSFPA #CAPI #Canada #FoodSovereignty

This week, the FAO marked World Food Day (October 16), underscoring everyone's right to access nutritious, safe and affordable food, and the importance of collective action in creating a sustainable food future for all. Food safety is a fundamental aspect of public health. However, as highlighted in the "Ideagen 2024 Food industry audit report", the sector is operating in an ever-changing environment. Our research explores how the industry is navigating key risks that are threatening the integrity of our food supply chain, ranging from geopolitical events and ecological factors to supply chain challenges and commodity inflation. Download the report today⬇️ #WorldFoodDay #FoodSafety #Sustainability