Thank you to FAO for giving us an opportunity to provide our thoughts on the ICN2 draft document.
Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) is a private sector policy voice for improving productivity and reducing waste and loss throughout the agricultural value chain. GHI’s member companies believe that the private sector, governments and civil society must work together to identify and implement sustainable pathways to sufficient, nutritious and affordable food for an expected global population of 9.6 billion by 2050.
GHI welcomes the opportunity to comment on the current draft of the ICN2 declaration. We would offer the following comments and suggestions.
1. The document recognizes that “poverty is a major contributor to malnutrition in both rural and urban areas”, yet the “Commitment to Action” does not call for policies and investments targeted at improving economic growth and incomes. The need for investing in social protection programs is mentioned, and this is a critical component of poverty alleviation. However, long-term reductions in malnutrition cannot be achieved without improving incomes, particularly for those populations most vulnerable to malnutrition, i.e. women and the rural poor.
2. In the declaration, the critical role that science-based technologies and innovations can play in reducing malnutrition is absent. Science-based innovations across the value chain can improve the nutrient value of foods, ensure food safety, reduce food waste and loss, or increase the production of nutritious foods, such as the so-called orphan crops. This declaration is an extraordinary opportunity to recognize and encourage the adoption of science-based technologies that can improve the lives and livelihoods of people struggling with malnutrition. The document needs to prioritize increased investments in AG R&D that also improve nutritional content of staple crops and for how to conserve nutrition in the value chain.
3. While this document is intended as a call to action for policymakers, we recommend that it also recognizes that food value chains are first-and-foremost consumer driven. Consumer choice and preferences must be respected and factored into any vision for reducing malnutrition and obesity. From a policymaking standpoint, robust nutrition education programs must be a priority if the gains of a more nutritious food system are to be fully realized.
4. Finally, the references to multi-stakeholder collaboration in this document are weak and do not adequately reflect the significant level of cooperation and partnership between governments, the private sector, and civil society that will be required to end malnutrition and hunger. Language to this effect should be included in the “Vision for Global Action” as well as “Commitment to Action”.
Many thanks,
Margaret M. Zeigler, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Global Harvest Initiative
801 17th Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006
Global Harvest Initiative