Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Call for submissions

From Foresight to Field: Exploring regional and multistakeholder perspectives to implement a foresight on emerging technologies and innovations in agrifood systems

In 2023, FAO’s Office of Innovation (OIN) in collaboration with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), published the Global foresight synthesis report “Harvesting change: Harnessing emerging technologies and innovations for agrifood system transformation[1]. The report explores the critical role of technology and innovation in transforming agrifood systems to address future challenges in the attempt to shorten the time lag between research and investment innovation phases and the uptake of technology and innovation, thus creating preparedness an ensuring inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

Furthermore, the report explores five potential future scenarios for agrifood systems’ technologies and innovations in 2050 and beyond. These five global scenarios offer a glimpse into the potential futures of agrifood systems depending on the emergence of technologies and innovations and their enabling environment. By understanding these possibilities, stakeholders can make informed decisions about the development and use of technologies and innovations to create a more sustainable and equitable agrifood systems.

To deepen an understanding of the potential pathways of the agrifood system transformation at regional level, OIN team is calling stakeholders to contribute to the full foresight report that will build on the synthesis report and elaborate further on the regional pathways of transformation. The results of your submissions will be analysed and acknowledged in the full foresight report, but more importantly, will be used to inform anticipatory strategic planning at regional and national levels, equipping stakeholders with the capacity not only to envision possible future scenarios, but also to proactively influence them by concrete steps towards desirable future.

Since the global foresight synthesis report is published only in English, the OIN team has prepared the background document that is available in the six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). This document can serve as a reference for completing the template for submissions.

The submission findings will be featured during FAO’s multistakeholder workshop "FutureFood-I Lab in action: Cultivating Innovation for Agrifood Systems’ Transformation" (June 2024, Italy). The full foresight report will help raise awareness about importance of anticipatory approaches, as well as contribute to a global discussion about the potential of the technologies and innovations to transform agrifood systems of the future. 

Contributions are welcome in six UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Proceedings of the contributions received will be made publicly available on this webpage.

This call for submissions is open until 10 June 2024.

We thank participants in advance and sincerely hope that your contributions will also bring in valuable insights from diverse regions.

Co-facilitators:

  • Dr Nevena Alexandrova-Stefanova, Agricultural Extension Officer, Office of Innovation (OIN), FAO
  • Ms ZofiaKrystyna Mroczek, Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Specialist, OIN, FAO


How to take part in this call for submissions:

To take part in this Call for submissions, please register to the FSN Forum, if you are not yet a member, or “sign in” to your account. Please download the submission template in any of six UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) and upload the completed form in the box “Post your contribution” on this webpage.  For any technical questions or assistance please contact [email protected].


[1]  The work on the synthesis and full foresight reports is the result of the fruitful collaboration of the OIN’s multidisciplinary team under the guidance of the OIN Director, Vincent Martin, including Nevena Alexandrova-Stefanova, Zofia Krystyna Mroczek, Kacper Nosarzewski, Norbert Kolos, Jieqiong Wan and Nikola Trendov, with CIRAD, namely Patrice Djamen and Sarah Audouin. Key contributions to the work have been made also by the International Agri-food Network, and diverse experts and stakeholders from around the globe.

 

This activity is now closed. Please contact [email protected] for any further information.

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Dear Dr Stefanova and Ms Mroczek,

The agrifood sector is vital for global food security and sustainable development. Please find our submission in the attached document to address the call on "From Foresight to Field: Exploring regional and multistakeholder perspectives to implement a foresight on emerging technologies and innovations in agrifood systems".

Please let us know if you have any additional questions or clarifications.

With Regards,
Mandira Kochar, PhD;                                                                                                                                   TERI

Dear FAO FSN Moderator,

I am composing this letter to emphasize the innovative potential of vertical farming, a method that involves the cultivation of crops in stacked layers within controlled indoor environments. By minimizing space utilization and increasing crop yields, this approach mitigates urban food scarcity. SPREAD, a prominent Japanese company, serves as an example of success in this field by illustrating how vertical farming can foster resilience, sustainability, and inclusion in agrifood systems. I am of the opinion that the continued investigation and encouragement of these innovations can make a substantial contribution to the sustainability of agricultural practices and the security of the global food supply.

Sincerely,

Jaber Amin

Dear FAO FSN Moderator,

The foresight synthesis report "Harvesting Change: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Innovations for Agrifood System Transformation" (FAO and CIRAD, 2023) identifies 20 innovative technologies that are on the
brink of transforming agrifood systems. It is important to note that three of these technologies have the potential to significantly enhance resilience, sustainability, and inclusion. These innovations have the potential to result in more sustainable and inclusive agrifood practices by replacing rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) with dandelion root (Cichorium intybus). I am eager to engage in a more in-depth conversation regarding the implications of these technologies and their potential influence on the future of agricultural landscapes.

Sincerely,

Jaber Amin

Dear Svetlana Livinets / FSN-Moderator

I hope this message finds you well.

We are pleased to submit our completed template for the "Calls for Submissions" titled "Exploring Regional and Multistakeholder Perspectives to Implement a Foresight on Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Agrifood Systems."

Submission Overview

Our submission offers insights into regional and multistakeholder perspectives on implementing emerging technologies and innovations within agrifood systems. We have identified specific challenges and opportunities and proposed strategic recommendations to foster inclusive and sustainable technology adoption.

Key Points

1. Best Practices: Case studies showcasing successful technology implementation.
2. Challenges and Solutions: Analysis of local adoption barriers and potential solutions.
3. Policy Recommendations: Suggestions for policies to support agrifood innovations.
4. Multi Stakeholder Collaboration: Importance of cooperation among various stakeholders.
5. Impact Evaluation: Assessment of social and economic impacts of new technologies.

Attached Documents

Please find the complete submission attached in PDF format. We trust that our contribution aligns with your objectives and provides valuable insights.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative.

Best regards,

Adrianus Petrus Lagur 
Managing Director
CV. Suluh Lingkungan Consultan 

Dear FSN Secretariat,

Please find attached a submission from the IAFN on your call for inputs into: From Foresight to Field: Exploring regional and multistakeholder perspectives to implement a foresight on emerging technologies and innovations in agrifood systems.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this submission.

Regards,

Wayne Dredge

Special Advisor

www.emergingag.com

Абсолютно уверен что постановка вопроса "Политика территориальных или ландшафтных цепочек создания стоимости и экономики «от поля к потребителю»" как инновационного решения является своевременной. 

Практика показывает что цифры глобальных игроков еще не гарантируют продовольственную безопасность в его четырехмерном определении ФАО. 

Уверен что территориальные и ландшафтные цепочки помимо всего прочего должны опираться еще и на историческое доверие. Именно историческое доверие является благоприятной средой для всех инноваций. 

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