Australia welcomes the opportunity to comment on the HLPE 3rd Note on Critical, emerging and enduring issues: V0 draft for consultation.
Australia understands that this paper will underpin the future work of the HLPE for the MYPoW 2024-2027 and we acknowledge the seven critical issues presented. We highlight that the significant food security and nutrition impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine underscore the need for the MYPoW 2024-2027 to respond and adapt to evolving global agri-food system dynamics and challenges. In this regard, we seek confirmation that the seven topics and guiding questions identified have been elaborated with adequate consideration of the wide-ranging implications of the Ukraine conflict.
We would also appreciate further information on the selection process for the seven issues presented within the paper and as a general comment, suggest that there could be greater recognition of the ways that the seven key issues are interlinked.
Australia also highlights the need for continued efforts to collate research that is balanced, scientifically-based, and that objectively informs the future findings and conclusions of HLPE products. Accordingly, we encourage the questions outlined in the report be framed in an open-ended fashion that allows for comprehensive and considered exploration of the issues. This will assist the HLPE to identify solution pathways that are stakeholder-driven, informed by scientific evidence, are appropriate to national contexts, needs and priorities, and are non-prescriptive.
Additionally, we provide the following specific comments:
Supply chain resilience is an important topic that deserves significant attention, particularly in light of the Ukraine conflict, and we emphasise the need to take a comprehensive approach when considering supply chain dynamics and food system resilience. For instance, international trade and specialised global supply chains are fundamentally important for boosting resilience, alongside and in tandem with, local or national supply chains and markets. Attention should also be given to the value of the multilateral system and the importance of strengthening the global rules-based trading system, including international standard setting bodies.
The section on resilient supply chains could also benefit from a broader exploration of enduring disruptors (not just recent novel disruptions), such as the increasing frequency and/or severity of natural disasters/climate events.
We highlight that an inclusive approach should be taken when it comes to assessing the critical role of modern science and technology, alongside other forms of innovation such as those developed from traditional knowledge. Facilitating the uptake of all forms of innovation, as appropriate, is crucial for increasing farm productivity, profitability as well as environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
This paper (and subsequently the forward workplan of the HLPE) should seek to be inclusive and relevant to the broad spectrum of farm business models and contexts globally, and not seek to elevate certain systems and approaches over others.
We reiterate the importance of the One Health approach for prevention of future zoonotic disease outbreaks and pandemics. A strong commitment to the One Health approach will be essential to optimise the health and wellbeing of people, animals and ecosystems, that underpin sustainable and resilient food systems – and should be strongly reflected within the paper and future workplan of the HLPE.
We suggest there is a need to better integrate climate adaptation and mitigation policies – as well as other goals – as this is a basic challenge that should not be overlooked. Additionally, a broad ranging analysis that considers the impacts of technology, innovation and climate financing, as well as the impact of climate policies, would be useful.
The paper could more strongly explore issues relating to protecting and enhancing the natural resource base upon which agri-food systems depend, including by promoting healthy soils.
Ben Ross
Australia welcomes the opportunity to comment on the HLPE 3rd Note on Critical, emerging and enduring issues: V0 draft for consultation.
Australia understands that this paper will underpin the future work of the HLPE for the MYPoW 2024-2027 and we acknowledge the seven critical issues presented. We highlight that the significant food security and nutrition impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine underscore the need for the MYPoW 2024-2027 to respond and adapt to evolving global agri-food system dynamics and challenges. In this regard, we seek confirmation that the seven topics and guiding questions identified have been elaborated with adequate consideration of the wide-ranging implications of the Ukraine conflict.
We would also appreciate further information on the selection process for the seven issues presented within the paper and as a general comment, suggest that there could be greater recognition of the ways that the seven key issues are interlinked.
Australia also highlights the need for continued efforts to collate research that is balanced, scientifically-based, and that objectively informs the future findings and conclusions of HLPE products. Accordingly, we encourage the questions outlined in the report be framed in an open-ended fashion that allows for comprehensive and considered exploration of the issues. This will assist the HLPE to identify solution pathways that are stakeholder-driven, informed by scientific evidence, are appropriate to national contexts, needs and priorities, and are non-prescriptive.
Additionally, we provide the following specific comments: