FAO sees open trade as a cornerstone of global food security | FAO News

Chapada dos Guimarães – The G20 can make a significant contribution to global food security by promoting market transparency, refraining from adopting trade restrictions, & revitalizing agricultural negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Director-General of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, on Friday told a G20 meeting of agriculture ministers in Brazil.

FAO has long championed the benefits of open, rules-based trade to global food security. Trade policies that promote openness & reduce barriers not only help stabilize food prices & ensure a steady supply of diverse food products, but also foster international cooperation. By participating in trade, countries can exchange knowledge, technology, & best practices, which can help to improve agricultural practices & increase resilience to climate change, Qu said.

According to FAO data analysis, trade facilitates access to higher quantities & lower prices for all foods & significantly contributes to dietary diversity, increasing the number of products supplied by countries twofold. The Director-General said these effects are significant for net food-importing countries, again confirming through data & hard evidence that agricultural trade is essential for global food security & nutrition.

In his remarks to the G20 agricultural ministers’ meeting on Sustainable Food Systems & Agricultural Trade held in Chapada dos Guimarães, the Director-General called on the G20 to continue to promote market transparency, for instance, through the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), of which FAO is a key member, & by providing support in the form of data & information.

Qu also highlighted the detrimental effects of trade restrictions, which can disrupt the balance of food supply & demand across different regions. These restrictions not only harm global food security but also create a ripple effect across countries, widening the problem & ultimately undermining global efforts to ensure a stable & affordable food supply for all, he warned.

Finally, the G20 should help revitalize the agricultural negotiations at the WTO.

“Multilateralism & a free, fair, predictable, non-discriminatory & rules-based multilateral trading system is key for promoting agricultural & rural development & contributing to global food security & improved nutrition,” Qu said.

Agrifood systems transformation

As global agrifood systems face unprecedented pressure, it is crucial to transform them to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, & more sustainable to ensure food security, environmental sustainability, & economic prosperity for future generations, the Director-General said.

This involves producing more with less by adopting practices that minimize environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions & preserve biodiversity. It also involves optimizing the use of inputs such as water, energy, pesticides, & fertilizers & reducing food losses. Techniques such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, & crop diversification help reduce the use of agrochemicals, improve soil health, & enhance biodiversity.

At the same time, innovation & technology play a crucial role in advancing sustainable agrifood systems – from precision agriculture & digital farming to biotechnology & renewable energy.

“By investing in research & development, we can unlock new solutions to the challenges facing our agrifood systems & drive progress towards a more sustainable future,” QU said.

Another important aspect of sustainable agrifood systems is the promotion of social equity. This involves ensuring that all people have access to nutritious & affordable food & supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers & rural communities.

In this context, FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 is built around the concept of the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, & a Better Life – leaving no one behind.