Transforming Food Systems: The Missing Pieces Needed to Make Them Work.

Area of Science:

• Food Systems Science
• Sustainable Development
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Current food systems are central to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty, hunger, health, and environmental sustainability.
• Radical transformation of food systems is imperative for global goal achievement, despite potential disruptions and political challenges.
• The benefits of transforming food systems significantly outweigh the difficulties, necessitating a comprehensive approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the complexity of issues in designing and implementing equitable food systems that improve diets, nutrition, and health.
• To ensure food systems respect planetary boundaries while addressing global goals.
• To identify critical domains for successful food system transformation.

Main Methods:

• A commentary approach outlining complex issues and proposing a research-driven strategy.
• Identification of six critical domains for food system transformation: reinventing agriculture, transforming food environments, mitigating climate change, engaging the private sector, influencing policy, and true cost accounting.
• Emphasis on a collaborative, science-based strategy for actionable change.

Main Results:

• Six critical domains requiring action for food system transformation have been identified.
• A research-driven strategy is proposed, highlighting the crucial role of science in each domain.
• The commentary stresses the need for bold, technically and politically feasible actions.

Conclusions:

• Transforming food systems is a complex but necessary undertaking for global well-being and environmental sustainability.
• A multi-faceted approach addressing agriculture, food environments, climate, private sector engagement, policy, and accounting is essential.
• Implementing a collaborative, research-driven strategy is key to achieving equitable and sustainable food systems.