Strengthening global food security: FAO and the U.S. spotlight the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils initiative at the 12th Global Soil Partnership Assembly

Rome - Ensuring sustainable food production to feed the world’s growing population hinges on fertile soils, resilient crops, enhanced collaboration, and increased investment.  

This message and sense of urgency, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and its partners, resonated strongly at the 12th Session of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly, held from June 3 to 5, 2024, at FAO headquarters in Rome. 

The timely event gathered over 700 participants from both state and non-state actors, facilitating crucial discussions on the global soil agenda. It served as a platform for partners to share their efforts, expertise, experiences, and innovative ideas regarding soil conservation, restoration, protection, and sustainable management. 

Dr. Cary Fowler, Special Envoy for Global Food Security, led a delegation of high-level officials and experts from the U.S. Department of State. The delegation organized a side event dedicated to discussing the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), a U.S.-led transformative initiative. VACS aims to build a resilient food system by promoting diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy, fertile soils. 

The Special Envoy underscored the critical need to focus on the fundamentals of food security with an integrated approach. "With VACS, we are focusing more attention on the interplay between soil and crops, all for the purpose of building a more resilient and nutritious food system," Cary Fowler said via Zoom. 

Addressing the challenges faced by agrifood systems, including climate change, plant pests, and diseases, FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero highlighted the significant role VACS can play. "The VACS initiative brings three central elements: resilience to climate, nutrition-sensitive crops, and the adaptation of our soils to meet the needs of these crops, making them more nutritious and resilient to climate change," Torero said. He also acknowledged the U.S. support, adding, “FAO is really grateful to USAID and the U.S. State Department for investments already made in support of our efforts in soil mapping and information management.”  

Expert panelists shared an overview of the VACS initiative, its potential to provide access to healthy diets, and best practices for achieving healthier soils through effective operations on the ground. 

Jeffrey Prescott, the U.S. UN Ambassador to Rome-based agencies, highlighted the collaborative efforts and significant financial commitment. “Together with the African Union and FAO, we’ve launched VACS, the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. We’ve committed $150 million so far toward VACS and we’re expanding this initiative, including in Africa and the Western Hemisphere. Through U.S. support for the FAO SoilFER program and other Feed the Future efforts, we are mapping, conserving, and building healthy soils and increasing fertilizer efficiency.” 

The long-standing partnership between the United States government and FAO stands as a testament to a shared commitment to addressing global food insecurity. Initiatives like VACS not only spotlight the importance of fertile soils and resilient crops but also underscore the power of international collaboration. With continued support and investment, this collaboration aims to build a sustainable, nutritious, and resilient global food system, ensuring food security for today and tomorrow.