Foresight

While no one can predict the future, we can prepare for different possibilities by looking at early signs of change. Foresight can help bridge science and policy by utilizing a long-term thinking approach to inform decisions across the agrifood system, helping to ensure that food is kept safe.

Why is foresight important in food safety?

Global agrifood systems are complex and constantly evolving. Climate change, global trade patterns, population growth, migration, dietary shifts and technological innovation are just some examples of drivers of change that can bring new food safety challenges and opportunities.

For example, new food sources and food ‑production systems offer promising opportunities but may have food safety and regulatory implications that need to be proactively assessed. Keeping pace with scientific advancements is crucial, such as understanding impacts on the gut microbiome and the implications for food safety risk assessment, or integrating sustainable circular economy principles with food safety considerations. These and other emerging trends could benefit agrifood systems – but may also bring unique food safety challenges. 

Foresight can help us anticipate and understand how new trends, changes or knowledge gaps may influence agrifood systems and food safety, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our work

FAO leverages its extensive expertise, knowledge and a network that spans the agrifood systems across the globe. From this unique position, FAO gathers and disseminates food safety insights and information and supports countries by providing proactive and strategic guidance on emerging food safety issues.