Agrifood systems are facing unprecedented challenges. Conflict, the impacts of extreme weather and climate events, economic shocks, and rising inequality are placing mounting pressure on the land we farm, the water we depend on, and the biodiversity that supports life. Supply chains remain fragile, and the effects of disruption are being felt in homes, markets, and fields around the world.
In some places, the severity of food insecurity is overwhelming. An estimated 733 million people are living with hunger. Elsewhere, rising levels of obesity and widespread food waste point to a system out of balance—where abundance and absence coexist, often side by side.
Agrifood systems are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet they offer real potential to reduce those emissions through the way food is grown, harvested, and shared.
Meeting the needs of a growing global population calls for teamwork—across borders, sectors, and generations.
“The actions we take today will directly impact the future. We must produce more with less. Let’s work towards a future that is more inclusive and more equitable.”.
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, World Food Forum 2024
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Greater and more targeted investment, new ideas, and deeper cooperation are needed. From governments and international organizations to farmers, researchers, businesses, and consumers, including youth, everyone has a role to play in shaping the transformation of agrifood systems.
As FAO marks 80 years, the Organization stands ready to continue to work alongside its members and partners. The focus is clear: to find practical, lasting solutions that respond to today’s challenges and help achieve a food-secure world for all, for today and tomorrow.
Consumers also carry part of the solution. Choosing healthy diets, wasting less, and helping to protect the soil, water, and biodiversity that make food possible are small acts that add up. Speaking up for those facing hunger, engaging with decision-makers, and staying attentive to change; these are some of the ways to take part.
The choices we make every day shape the world we live in.
Did you know that small-scale fisheries account for 40% of the world’s fish catches? However, they are threatened by overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
The Coastal Fisheries Initiative is a global initiative to preserve marine resources, making sure fishing is done in a way that keeps the environment healthy.
Meet the people championing sustainable small-scale fisheries and learn how we can all work together for change.
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Collective action across 150 countries worldwide, in up to 50 languages, is what makes World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, municipalities, businesses, CSOs, the media, the public, even youth. They promote worldwide awareness of hunger and promote action for the future of food, people and the planet.
Together we can create a better, more sustainable food future for all. Make #WorldFoodDay YOUR day. Join the call by organizing an event or activity or show how you are taking action.
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