Companies need to invest in agrifood innovation by partnering with governments, civil society organizations, academia and researchers to co-create and deliver solutions at scale that improve food security and livelihoods. They should prioritize affordability and accessibility for small-scale producers and consumers, and support enabling policies, standards and infrastructure that help innovations reach those who need it most. Approaches should be adapted to local contexts through inclusive consultation, capacity development and evidence-based learning. 

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) includes how a company uses science, technology and innovation responsibly, not only how it reports on sustainability. Private sector entities should align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by investing in solutions that are evidence-based, reducing environmental impact, and improving nutrition and livelihoods. They should publish measurable outcomes and share learning so proven innovations can be deployed, adapted (where necessary) and scaled. 

Companies that produce fertilizers, seeds, farming equipment, and animal health products should ensure their products are sustainable, respectful of biodiversity, safe, culturally appropriate, as well as relevant and affordable for small-scale producers and family farmers so they can produce more and better food. Companies should work with local actors to adapt and validate technologies and reduce adoption risks, investing in training and advisory services where necessary. 

Private businesses need to create inclusive markets and business models that respect human rights, promote decent work and strengthen accountability.  They need to promote gender equality through inclusive hiring practices, equal wages and protection, women-specific training and development, safe and adequate workplaces, and products and services that respond to women farmers’ needs. Companies need to help close rural and digital divides so women, youth and marginalized groups can access finance, skills, technologies and innovation.

Food companies and manufacturers need to develop and provide affordable nutritious foods that improve dietary diversity and quality. Companies should use nutrition science and responsible product innovation to reformulate products by reducing saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and salt, while developing healthier options that match local preferences. Companies need to track affordability and nutrition outcomes so successful approaches can be sustained and scaled. 

Food businesses and manufacturers must strive to achieve better food safety and quality along food chains, especially in low-income countries. They need to invest in science-based standards, surveillance and traceability and in capacity development so safer practices are adopted across formal and informal markets. Meat manufacturers should apply a One Health approach by supporting animal health and welfare and promoting the appropriate, prudent use of antimicrobials.  

Companies need to reduce the agrifood system emissions through sustainable sourcing, greater resource efficiency and less waste across supply chains. Technology and innovation in products, processes and logistics are essential. Progress should be transparently measured and reported, with proven, locally appropriate climate-smart solutions scaled up. In doing so, companies strengthen the resilience of the communities and ecosystems they rely on. 

If your company operates within the financial sector, you can support small-scale producers, SMEs and economically marginalized communities and facilitate investment in productive, nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient practices. Companies should provide appropriate tools such as savings, insurance and micro-credit and de-risk the adoption of proven innovations where needed. They should use data responsibly and transparently to broaden access without exclusion or harm. 

Media companies, or any business with a communication network, can leverage their reach to educate the public about healthy diets and sustainable production, while helping to draw attention to issues related to hunger, obesity and other forms of malnutrition. Companies should support science communication by sharing trusted, evidence-based messages and countering misinformation in local languages, adapting campaigns accordingly to local contexts.  

Companies need to engage in development partnerships transparently and accountably, aligning with national priorities, human rights and the 2030 Agenda. They should apply responsible business conduct when working in developing countries, including clear governance, conflict-of-interest management and protection of communities’ rights. Locally led implementation and long-term capacity should be prioritized over short-term projects. 

Companies need to share advances in innovation, across the full agrifood system, from production and breeding to storage, logistics and processing, particularly with low-income countries. Technology transfer and capacity development are essential to reduce seasonal food insecurity, and food and nutrient loss and waste. By working with research and extension systems, companies can deploy innovations responsibly, ethically, and in ways that are adapted to local contexts and needs. 

Up to 13% food produced for human consumption is lost and a further 19% is wasted by households, retail and food services. The food retail and hospitality sectors can play a key role in helping reduce food waste. They should use innovation and data to improve forecasting, handling, packaging and cold chains and to donate safe surplus food through credible programmes. By measuring results and sharing learning, effective approaches can be scaled. 

Work with FAO and other partners to engage on science, technology and innovation, connect with governments, researchers and innovators and help take locally adapted solutions to scale. Build a future, where everyone has access to affordable, healthy diets by supporting efforts by governments to implement the Right to Food Guidelines as well as the Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition and Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crises offered by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). Additionally, the CONNECT Portal provides news, stories and information about FAO’s engagements with the private sector.