As the Decade of Action on Nutrition nears its conclusion, the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris (March 2025) will highlight the urgent need for agricultural transformation to ensure food systems support both human and environmental health. Currently, industrial food systems contribute to malnutrition, climate vulnerability, and biodiversity loss, with monoculture farming and agrochemical dependence reducing both food quality and ecosystem resilience. The contradictions of the food system are stark: while 733 million people are undernourished, nearly 1 billion meals are wasted daily, and ultra-processed foods contribute to rising diet-related diseases.

Agroecology offers a solution, addressing both nutrition and sustainability. Research indicates that 78% of studies show positive impacts of agroecological practices on food security and nutrition, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These approaches improve biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience, while reducing the “hidden costs” of food—such as pollution, healthcare expenses, and environmental degradation. For example, studies in Switzerland suggest that the true cost of bread could be significantly lower if made from organic, whole grain wheat rather than refined grains.

Despite these benefits, economic and policy barriers hinder the widespread adoption of agroecology. The N4G Summit is an opportunity to push for systemic change, advocating for policies that prioritize diverse, local, and climate-resilient food systems. Agroecology is no longer a niche alternative—it is an essential strategy for securing better nutrition, stronger communities, and a more sustainable planet.