A new program has been launched to transform global agrifood systems into more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive models that promote environmental health and economic growth. The initiative, funded with $282 million in financing and $1.8 billion in co-financing, aims to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges of agriculture and food systems across 32 countries.
The program, known as the Food Systems Integrated Program (FSIP), focuses on sustainable practices across four key sectors: crops, commodities, livestock, and aquaculture. It targets the production of staple crops like maize, rice, and wheat, as well as key commodities such as cocoa, palm oil, and soy. The program also promotes aquaculture as a sustainable alternative protein source and seeks to implement integrated landscape management practices to reduce unsustainable land use in farming.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of addressing climate and environmental challenges within agrifood systems, which are significant contributors to global issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. Methane emissions from rice production and livestock farming will be mitigated, and efforts will be made to combat deforestation driven by livestock and palm oil production. At the same time, sustainable practices will be implemented to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits in the cultivation of key crops and commodities.
A central component of the program is its support for developing and strengthening policies, value chains, and investment plans in participating countries. These efforts aim to enhance food security, nutrition, and livelihoods while protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change. The program also seeks to align with global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement.
Integrated solutions will be developed to address interconnected challenges, leveraging a decade of experience in food systems investment and innovation. The program builds upon previous efforts such as The Good Growth Partnership and the Resilient Food Systems initiative. It was designed following the UN Food Systems Summit and is positioned to help countries meet their commitments to international environmental and sustainability agreements.
Over the next year, 32 country-specific projects will be designed and launched under the program. These projects will be supported by global coordination hubs focusing on policy, governance, private sector engagement, investment strategies, and landscape-level innovation. These hubs will foster collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, producers, consumers, and private sector partners, to ensure that the program generates impactful and scalable results.
The program underscores the critical role of agrifood systems in achieving global sustainability goals. Food systems are key to addressing interlinked challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and land degradation, while also contributing to food security and economic development. By transforming these systems, the program aims to create healthier and more equitable outcomes for people and the planet.
Innovative approaches will be central to achieving these goals. For instance, aquaculture will be promoted as a sustainable source of protein and income, reducing pressure on terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, integrated landscape management will address unsustainable practices in maize and wheat production, promoting agroforestry and soil conservation techniques.
As food systems account for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation, the program’s focus on reducing negative impacts is timely. It seeks to reverse trends such as declining climate-related development finance for agrifood systems and ensure that investments align with broader sustainability objectives.
The program also aims to empower small-scale farmers, who produce a substantial portion of the world’s food, to adapt to the uncertainties of climate change. By enhancing the resilience and sustainability of their practices, the initiative contributes to the economic stability and food security of vulnerable communities.
Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the program represents a significant step toward transforming global agrifood systems. It envisions a future where agriculture and food production contribute to better nutrition, environmental conservation, and equitable economic opportunities for all.
