Strengthening food systems’ resilience and autonomy in times of crisis

Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels Raschad Al-Khafaji was invited to participate at an event in the European Parliament, focused on ‘’Strengthening Food Systems Resilience and Autonomy in Times of Crisis”. Organized by the Agri-food Chain Coalition (AFCC), the event was hosted by Member of the European Parliament and of the European Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition Marlene Mortler.

MEP Mortler welcomed the attendance and underscored the importance of an open and frank dialogue on the best ways of addressing food insecurity.

Al-Khafaji thanked Ms Mortler for her continued engagement for food and nutrition related issues and reminded the audience of the importance of partnerships. ‘’Only through effective collaboration with governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, research centres and cooperatives, and making use of each other's knowledge and comparative advantages, can food insecurity be defeated,’’ he said.

He highlighted FAO’s critical mandate in supporting its Members move towards efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

The Director of the European Animal Breeders and Chair of AFCC Ana Granados, observed that: “Food security is not limited to the provision of food, but also encompasses the internationally recognized human right to food and access to healthy diets for all.” She added that: “Improved crisis preparedness and dynamic mechanisms are needed to create a friendly policy environment for innovation in the EU.”