World leaders are realising that the Covid-19 pandemic threatens the production and supply of food in developed and developing countries. The Food and Land Use Coalition, with over 40 industry, policy and NGO leaders, has called for action to prevent a global food security crisis.
Our food comes from complex, inter-connected and often global supply chains. The pandemic, and the containment measures that many countries are adopting, could significantly disrupt food systems, immediately and in the coming months. As reported in The Guardian today, the joint letter calls both for immediate support through the global food system – and for fundamental change within it.
Governments need to work closely with farmers’ organisations and agribusiness to design response strategies for the sector itself. Covid-19 measures must still enable food and food inputs to move quickly through ports and borders, as well as through internal markets. Among other measures, the letter calls for those working in food and farming to be treated as essential workers, with the right support for their continued employment, health and safety.
We must ensure that Covid-19 measures do not precipitate a global food and nutrition security crisis. Many are already suffering, but with leadership and collaboration we can save lives, protect the most vulnerable, and support the farmers and food production workers who feed us.
Keeping the supply of food flowing, and supporting the most vulnerable, represents the best chance of limiting the humanitarian catastrophe. Urgent action is needed, at home and abroad. Governments, with private and philanthropic support, must expand their targeted food programmes and income safety nets for social protection.
The World Bank and IMF have already called on G20 leaders to agree debt relief for low-income countries, but additional fast-track resources will be needed if they are to import food and feed their populations.
The call to action is crucial to the recovery too. Many organisations have long been demanding more regenerative and less wasteful global food system, capable of providing healthier diets and stronger livelihoods. FOLU’s Growing Better report showed the economic benefit of acting on those opportunities.
In the same spirit, today’s message calls on the international community to ensure strong capital and technology flows to developing countries in the longer term, helping them to strengthen their local food systems, enhance rural prosperity, preserve their irreplaceable natural capital, and meet the standards needed to access global markets. Prioritising a healthier food system will be essential to a resilient recovery.
