OPINION - The triple challenge of the agricultural and food planet

The agricultural and food world is overheating, the warning lights are red and international institutions such as the UN or the African Union, through the voice of Macky Sall (President of Senegal) are calling for vigilance from all and for everyone's commitment to put an end to the surge in prices. To achieve this, this requires, in the very short term, the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine which would allow the release of stocks. And, in the medium term, by there shortage risk management in wheat, corn, rice, oils and other plant products and fertilizers.

The war in Ukraine reminds us that agriculture and food systems are facing A triple challenge : productive, economic, and geopolitical. This triple challenge is part of a context that goes well beyond the crisis affecting the Ukrainian people and has repercussions in every corner of the world. Pandemics, conflicts, and climate change threaten the ability of individuals across the planet to produce and feed themselves. It is therefore important to differentiate and combine the cyclical and the structural.

A rapid and concerted response to the food problem within a multilateral framework is essential.

The UN has set a 2030 target as part of its Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate hunger and ensure food security. We only have 8 years left!

While it is important to focus on production supply and agricultural models, let's not lose sight of food demand and the impacts of economic, social, and security insecurity. These are threats at least as powerful as the food weapon wielded further East. 

The FARM Foundation believes in supporting and developing the production capacity of agriculture that has not reached its full potential.

But this imperative, and that of food security, requires deep reflection on the transitions to be made. Agriculture must be triple efficient : economically, socially and environmentally.

We do not ignore the food emergency but also invite us to think long-term by showing the range of possibilities and innovative solutions.

Catherine Migault, Director of FARM, and Matthieu Brun, Scientific Director of FARM