UN Food Systems Summit Launches Conversations on Sustainability and Innovation

The UN Food Systems Summit, which took place virtually September 23-24, has galvanized discussions globally on the importance of achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030.

As part of the discussion, the U.S. government announced several new initiatives of particular importance to the seed industry. The Coalition on Sustainable Productivity Growth for Food Security and Resource Conservation (SGP) recognizes the importance of productivity in order to optimize agricultural sustainability across social, economic, and environmental dimensions; and the AIM for Climate Initiative seeks to dramatically increase public and private investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation.

Additionally, ASTA has worked closely with the International Seed Federation in efforts to raise the importance and benefits of quality seed in these discussions. Although the summit has concluded, it is expected that work will continue to emerge from the coalitions and initiatives, as well as from UN agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).