Whether it鈥檚 made from glass, plastic, metal, paper or bamboo, packaging plays an important role in keeping food fresh, ensuring it is safe as well as extending its shelf-life to reduce loss and waste. A circular approach is key. Circular packaging solutions focus on a reduce-reuse-recycle approach, including minimising single-use plastic, encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials and improving the economics and quality of recycled plastics. suggests four better packaging solutions we can leverage to reduce food loss and waste.
Food is so much more than what we put into our bodies. At a human level it鈥檚 a deeply important part of our culture and history, tied to our sense of self, family and community. The food system has evolved considerably, from traditional methods that reflected location and culture to decentralized food chains with increased carbon demands. A new approach to supporting farmers is needed after a UNDP, FAO and UNEP report showed that agricultural subsidies cause market distortions that disadvantage small farmers, like this one in Kenya.
In 2013, Busy found out about 鈥檚 beekeeping course through one of his friends and decided to register to gain deeper knowledge and take his business to the next level. FAO鈥檚 three-week course armed him with critical information on the practical aspects of beekeeping, including building beehive boxes and mounting frames. With a strong determination, passion and 鈥渒now-how鈥, Busy worked diligently in every aspect of the beekeeping trade, including planting trees and even encouraging his neighbours to grow vegetation so the bees could pollinate and collect nectar.
Global support to producers in the agricultural sector amounts to $540 billion per year, making up 15 percent of total agricultural production value. Yet 87 percent of this support is price distorting and environmentally and socially harmful. Reconfiguring agricultural producer support, rather than eliminating it, will help end poverty, eradicate hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, foster sustainable consumption and production, mitigate the climate crisis, restore nature, limit pollution, and reduce inequalities.
There are many different kinds of journeys that food can take, some that guarantee a healthier future for people and the planet.
Thanks to its unique geographical conditions, including soil and weather, Jamaica produces some of the world鈥檚 best ginger. FAO has joined public and private sector bodies to protect the industry from a destructive disease, Ginger Rhizome Rot.
Peter Rabbit has joined forces with the UN Act Now campaign, , and the UN Foundation to enlist more food heroes, like Peter, who see the value in fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet and a healthier planet. Find out about some actions you can take to become a food hero too, from eating more fruits and vegetables to reducing food waste, buying locally grown food, or even growing your own at home.
Today, agricultural supply chains are more extensive than ever. Food crosses countries and oceans, moving from producers to retailers - to consumers. These dynamics create millions of jobs around the world - critical for livelihoods, economic growth, and development.
To improve food security, and to support trade and market development, constructed feeder roads 鈥 secondary roads designed to funnel traffic to major roads leading to markets.
When it comes to the changes we need to make to our food systems, rural small-scale farmers are the on-the-ground experts. presents the people at the heart of our food systems.
This is all about food systems. 鈥檚 podcast team first speaks with Martin Frick, Deputy Special Envoy for the Food Systems Summit, to learn more about what food systems are.
Throughout the last months, people from across the world have shared with us their thoughts, memories, and solutions of 鈥榞ood food鈥 as they see it. Watch here the first in a series of compilations and join us in defining and celebrating #GoodFood4All by creating your own video, too! #GoodFood4All #FoodSystems #UNFSS2021
Up to 811 million people went hungry last year as the combined effects of conflict, climate extremes and the coronavirus pandemic pushed a further 161 million into food insecurity. International food prices are up for a 12th consecutive month. seeks to save and change the lives of 115.5 million people in more than 80 countries. Food systems play a key role in ensuring people's access to regular, nutritious food despite these factors. Food Systems encompass everything from 鈥榝arm to fork鈥欌 it鈥檚 about having a broader picture of how we literally produce, transport, process and consume food.