Transforming food systems for a more sustainable food future
Earth Day 2025: Reimagining our food systems
How do our food systems impact the planet? From the carbon footprint of what we eat, to the consequences of food loss and waste and the critical need for sustainable productivity growth in agriculture, it is important to reflect on the environmental impact of the systems that sustain us. Together, these issues highlight the intersection of food security and environmental stewardship, and the actions we can take toward a more resilient future.
As global food systems confront mounting environmental challenges, the need for integrated strategies to enhance sustainability and resilience becomes more urgent. Recent works from the OECD give insight on what steps policy makers and stakeholders can take to move towards greener food systems.
Enhancing Sustainable Agricultural Productivity: Advancements in agricultural productivity are essential for meeting global food demands. Through sustainable agricultural productivity growth— achieved by innovations that improve the use of land, water, natural capital and inputs— food systems can increase food production while minimizing environmental impacts.
Addressing Food Loss and Waste: Food loss and waste (FLW) remains a significant issue, with reduction efforts hampered by fragmented policy commitments across countries and a lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. To effectively reduce FLW and its economic and environmental impacts, policy implementation should focus on coherence and promote stakeholder engagement.
Measuring Carbon Footprints in Agri-Food Products: Reliable measurement of carbon footprints in agri-food products is crucial for informed decision-making. Eight foundational elements are necessary for establishing consistent and accurate carbon footprint assessments, enabling stakeholders to identify and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore the importance of comprehensive policies and data-driven approaches in transforming food systems to be more sustainable and resilient.
Quoted
"Imagine a world where the carbon footprint of everything—from a bottle of milk to a pension fund investment—was as transparent as a price tag... While this may sound like science fiction, it's quickly becoming reality."
- Koen Deconinck, Special Advisor (2025, 22 April). Unlocking transparency: How to measure the carbon footprint of our food.
The stat
Most food-related emissions occur early in the supply chain, either on farms or through land-use change, making it essential to understand these stages as 25% of producers can account for more than half of total emissions.
Green Growth and Sustainable Development Forum 2-3 July 2025 | OECD Conference Centre, Paris
This year's Green Growth and Sustainable Development (GGSD) Forum will examine the role of agriculture and forests in addressing climate change, considering how agricultural systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support biodiversity and increase resilience to climate impacts and environmental risks, while maintaining productivity. It will also explore how improved forest management can contribute to carbon sequestration and the conservation of natural capital.
Youthwise is the OECD’s Youth Advisory Board, bringing together exceptional young individuals aged 18 to 30 to participate in global policy discussions, offering their perspectives and contributing to the development of international policies.
Aiming to foster a better understanding of international policy-making and the OECD's work among young people, Youthwise brings valuable ideas and solutions from youth to the Organisation and international policy debates.
