如何把农业粮食体系的隐性成本和效益有效纳入转型决策？
农业粮食体系向社会提供至关重要的效益，不仅仅是因为它们能够生产食物用以喂养我们，为10亿多人提供就业而且塑造文化认同。但转而言之，它们又加剧气候变化、自然资源退化和生物多样性丧失，同时未能为人人确保提供健康实惠的饮食。农业粮食体系的复杂性和相互依赖性使决策者们在力图把它们产生的成本和效益纳入决策当中时不乏挑战。
2023年版的粮农组织旗舰出版物 《2023年粮食及农业状况》 (SOFA 2023)主题为“核算粮食真正成本促进农业粮食体系转型”。通过引入农业粮食体系隐性成本和效益的概念并提供可以对此加以评估的框架，该报告的目的是展开一个进程，帮助决策者做好更妥善准备，采取行动推动农业粮食体系实现环境、社会和经济可持续性。该报告介绍了154个国家开展的国家级真实成本核算 (TCA) 评估的结果；报告估计农业粮食体系2020年全球可量化隐性成本高达10万亿2020年购买力平价美元以上（约为全球国内生产总值的10%）。这凸显了把这些成本纳入决策过程，促进农业粮食体系向可持续性转型的迫切需要。
《2023年粮食及农业状况》报告还指出，尽管报告中列举的量化隐性成本全球估算结果有助于提高对这一挑战严峻程度的认识，但仍需更多研究和证据来设计和实施具体行动和投资，应对农业粮食体系的隐性成本问题并增强农业粮食体系的效益。这应通过以真实成本核算为基础的有针对性的评估来实现，兼顾当地具体情况细化国家估算数字并考量不同转型路径的成本。
鉴于该主题的相关性，粮农组织自1947年《粮食及农业状况》出版物创刊以来首次连续专辟两期论述这一相同主题。《2024年粮食及农业状况》将展示真实成本核算应用于各种范畴的灵活性，从整个农业粮食体系一直到某个单一产品。它将借助一系列个案研究来说明把隐性成本纳入决策、从而评价推动农业粮食体系优化转型的不同政策和管理方案的重要性和挑战所在。其最终目的是帮助决策者做好更妥善准备，采取行动推动农业粮食体系实现环境、社会和经济可持续性。
《粮食及农业状况》团队邀请利益相关者们分享对农业粮食体系隐性成本和效益的已有或正在开展的评估的说明性范例（个案研究），确保对全球各地和各领域的大范围覆盖。我们也鼓励投稿，说明这种评估以何种方式被用于帮助决策者和其他利益相关者采取转型性行动推动农业粮食体系可持续性。
投稿可以包括（但不限于）对《2023年粮食及农业状况》中介绍的初步隐性成本评估的证实、对如何根据不同具体情况下政策制定者优先重点定制真实成本核算方法的评估以及对进一步分析领域的确定等。认识到覆盖所有隐性成本维度的复杂性，本征集通知也包括考查环境、社会和健康类别下两个或以上方面的隐性成本的投稿/个案研究。这可以包括某个国家/区域的某个具体地方的隐性成本来源，例如水稀缺、温室气体排放、不健康饮食方式的健康后果，或社会后果（包括贫困和营养不良）。
最终目的是采集相关意见和建议、主要讯息及国际层面的个案研究，供《2024年粮食及农业状况》编写进程参考（将于2024年11月出版）。《粮食及农业状况》团队将根据每个个案的相关性和多样性因素对相关个案研究进行评审和筛选，以供报告采用。
本征集通知截至2024年1月29日。
如何参加本次征集通知
要参加本次征集通知活动，此前未注册者请在粮食安全与营养论坛上注册，已注册者请“登录”。请下载六种联合国语言中任意版本的提交模板（英文、法文、西班牙文、俄文、阿拉伯文和中文）并在网页“粘贴意见和建议”表框中上载填写完毕的表格。提交内容字数请限制在2,000字内，可以添加相关支持材料附件。获取任何技术支持，、下载或上载提交模板，请发送电子邮件至 [email protected]。
我们期待收到各位的宝贵意见和建议，这无疑将强化《2024年粮食及农业状况》的内容。
共同主持人：
Andrea Cattaneo，农业粮食经济司资深经济学家兼《粮食及农业状况》编辑
Aslihan Arslan，农业粮食经济司《粮食及农业状况》经济学家
Ahmad Sadiddin，农业粮食经济司《粮食及农业状况》经济学家
Theresa McMenomy，农业粮食经济司《粮食及农业状况》经济学家
Elisa Ranuzzi，农业粮食经济司《粮食及农业状况》实习生
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How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?
Developing countries are hardly affected by overpopulation, climate change, disease burden and conflict. They almost dependent on agrofood which still under production efficiency hampered by aforementioned challenges. Wider range of agriculture inputs are also imported and used without cost benefit analysis, health risk assessment and risk of resistance.
Thus, need to assess and provide these hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems to be effectively incorporated into decision-making for sector and community transformation in Africa, particularly in over growing populated Ethiopia.
A holistic approach should be used because there are several ways to effectively incorporate the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making for transformation. One of these ways is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis including the hidden costs and benefits, for example, environmental and social impacts. Second way is to use a decision-making framework by incorporating these factors, such as the triple bottom line or the sustainability triple helix. And lastly, it is also important to involve stakeholders in the decision-making process, including farmers (small holders inclusive), consumers, and local communities. By incorporating these hidden costs and benefits into the decision-making process, agrifood systems can be transformed in a more sustainable and equitable way. This means that decisions about food production, distribution, and consumption will take into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of agrifood systems. This transformation will help to ensure that food is produced in a way that is environmentally friendly, provides fair compensation for farmers, and promotes healthy and affordable food for consumers. It will also help to ensure that the benefits of agrifood systems are shared more equitably across all stakeholders mentioned above.
Dr. Muhammad Bello Garba
SSUES, Sokoto - Nigeria
How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?
Effectively incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making for transformation requires acknowledging both tangible and intangible factors. Known elements include visible economic expenses, such as production and transportation costs, which can be readily quantified. However, the challenge lies in capturing the hidden costs, such as environmental degradation and health impacts, which often elude standard accounting methods. Recognizing these hidden impacts necessitates a shift towards holistic valuation frameworks that consider ecological, social, and health dimensions. What remains unknown is a universally accepted methodology for quantifying and valuing these hidden dimensions consistently. The lack of standardized metrics hinders the seamless integration of these factors into decision-making processes. Developing comprehensive and standardized approaches to assess both the costs and benefits, along with fostering a broader understanding of their interconnectedness, is essential for steering agrifood systems towards sustainability and resilience.
Hence, incorporating hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems requires holistic valuation, considering environmental and societal impacts. Standardized metrics are crucial for consistent assessment, fostering informed decision-making for sustainable transformation.
Au moins 10.000 milliards de dollars par an. C'est le montant des coûts cachés des systèmes agroalimentaires actuels, calculé par l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (Food and agriculture organisation, FAO), dans un rapport publié ce lundi 6 novembre. L'impact de ces systèmes sur la santé, l'environnement et la société, équivaut ainsi à presque 10% du produit intérieur brut (PIB) mondial, alerte la FAO.
Plus de 70% des frais occultes liés à la production de biens et de services agroalimentaires sont dus à des régimes alimentaires trop riches. Or, ils causent des maladies chroniques non-transmissibles, et donc, une perte de productivité de la main-d'œuvre, alerte un rapport de l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO). Un cinquième de ces coûts sont environnementaux.
L'étude, menée dans 154 pays, chiffre notamment les frais occultes de ces systèmes : émissions de gaz à effet de serre et d'azote, utilisation de l'eau, effets sur la conversion des terres et sur la pauvreté, pertes de productivité générées par de mauvais régimes alimentaires. Résultat, plus de 70% de ces coûts sont dus à une alimentation trop riche en produits ultra-transformés, en sucres et en graisses. Or, ceux-ci sont à l'origine d'obésité et d'autres maladies chroniques non-transmissibles, générant des pertes de productivité de la main-d'œuvre. Ces coûts sont particulièrement importants dans les pays à revenus élevés et à revenus intermédiaires de la tranche supérieure, observe la FAO.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE/FOOD WASTE IS NEITHER A RISKY NOR AN UNCERTAIN/IMPOSSIBLE BUSINESS SINCE 1975 AT LIAQAT CORP (PVT) LTD, BY FIELD-BASED MOBILE COMMERCIAL INNOVATIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION FOR ZERO FOOD WASTE AT TECH TRANSFER BASIS.
- Effectively incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), into decision-making for transformation requires a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach. Here are key steps to achieve this:
- 1. Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):
- Conduct a thorough CBA that goes beyond direct economic impacts. Include environmental, social, and health-related costs and benefits associated with agrifood systems.
- Assess the positive externalities, such as ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and cultural values linked to traditional agricultural practices.
- 2. Stakeholder Engagement:
- Involve diverse stakeholders, including farmers, local communities, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from the private sector, in the decision-making process.
- Understand the perspectives and priorities of different stakeholders to ensure a holistic view of the hidden costs and benefits.
- 3. Data Collection and Research:
- Invest in research to gather region-specific data on hidden costs and benefits. This should include environmental degradation, health impacts, and socio-economic factors.
- Collaborate with research institutions and local organizations to enhance the quality and relevance of data.
- 4. Technology Integration:
- Leverage technology for data collection and monitoring. Remote sensing, IoT devices, and data analytics can provide real-time information on environmental impacts and agricultural productivity.
- Use digital platforms to disseminate information and gather feedback from farmers and communities.
- 5. Policy Integration:
- Integrate findings from comprehensive CBAs into policy frameworks at local, provincial, and national levels.
- Advocate for policies that incentivize sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices while internalizing the hidden costs associated with conventional methods.
- 6. Capacity Building:
- Build the capacity of local communities and farmers to understand and adopt sustainable practices.
- Provide training on modern and sustainable farming techniques that reduce hidden costs and enhance overall system resilience.
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7. Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
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- Develop and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices that consider the changing climate patterns in the region.
- Invest in research and technology that enables farmers to adapt to climate-related challenges, reducing the vulnerability of agrifood systems.
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8. Incentivize Sustainable Supply Chains:
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- Work with supply chain actors, including retailers and processors, to create and implement sustainability standards.
- Reward and incentivize adherence to environmentally friendly and socially responsible supply chain practices.
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9. Community-Based Initiatives:
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- Encourage and support community-based initiatives that focus on sustainable agriculture and food production.
- Facilitate the establishment of local cooperatives and farmer groups to share knowledge and resources.
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10. Green Financing:
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- Explore opportunities for green financing and investment in sustainable agriculture.
- Collaborate with financial institutions to create financial instruments that support eco-friendly farming practices.
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11.Policy Innovation:
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- Foster innovation in policy-making by exploring novel approaches to address hidden costs and benefits.
- Pilot programs and policy experiments to test the effectiveness of new strategies before scaling up.
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12. Adaptive Management:
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- Implement adaptive management strategies that allow for continuous learning and adjustments based on evolving conditions.
- Establish feedback mechanisms that involve stakeholders in the ongoing improvement of policies and practices.
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13. Crisis Preparedness:
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- Develop contingency plans and strategies to address agrifood system challenges during crises, such as pandemics or extreme weather events.
- Ensure that transformation initiatives are resilient to shocks and can quickly recover from disruptions.
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14. Research and Development:
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- Allocate resources for ongoing research and development to stay abreast of emerging issues and opportunities in agrifood systems.
- Support innovation that leads to the development of sustainable and technologically advanced farming practices.
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15. Policy Advocacy:
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- Engage in policy advocacy at various levels to create an enabling environment for sustainable agriculture.
- Collaborate with NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups to amplify the impact of the transformation agenda.
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16. International Certification:
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- Work towards obtaining and maintaining internationally recognized certifications for sustainable and organic agriculture.
- Access global markets by aligning with international standards, fostering economic opportunities for local farmers.
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By incorporating these strategies, policymakers and stakeholders can navigate the complexities of agrifood systems in Pakistan, with a specific focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and make informed decisions that lead to transformative and sustainable outcomes.
- 1. Comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):
How can the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems be effectively incorporated into decision-making for transformation?
Agrifood systems have numerous hidden costs and benefits that impact social, environmental, and economic aspects. Incorporating these into decision-making involves several strategies:
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): This method evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or system throughout its life cycle. It assesses inputs, outputs, and environmental impacts, aiding in understanding hidden costs like carbon emissions, water usage, etc.
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA): CBA assesses the monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits associated with agrifood systems. It helps in quantifying impacts that might not be immediately apparent, such as ecosystem services, health implications, or social welfare.
Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: Encouraging transparency in the supply chain and engaging stakeholders—farmers, consumers, policymakers, and NGOs—helps identify and understand hidden costs and benefits better.
Policy Integration: Creating policies that internalize externalities—like imposing taxes on pollution or incentivizing sustainable practices—can better reflect the hidden costs and benefits within agrifood systems.
By integrating these approaches, decision-makers can have a more comprehensive understanding of the hidden complexities within agrifood systems, allowing for more informed and sustainable transformations
I have attached a paper I wrote with two colleagues for the University of Barcelona journal. It provides a policy option for the encouragement of regenerative farming. It is aimed at the European Union where farming has received generous subsidies for more than 70 years. In spite of this I think it has wider application as a mechanism to encourage regenerative farming in countries where such funding it not possible.
Incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making is pivotal for the transformation towards sustainability. Agrifood systems are integral to human society, providing food, employment, and cultural identity. However, their impacts extend far beyond these visible benefits, encompassing environmental degradation, climate change, and social inequities. To address these challenges, a comprehensive approach that integrates these hidden costs and benefits into policy and practice is essential.
The True Cost of Agrifood Systems
The concept of True Cost Accounting (TCA) is instrumental in revealing the real value of agrifood systems. TCA quantifies the environmental, social, and economic impacts often overlooked in conventional analysis. For example, while agrifood systems contribute significantly to global employment, they also play a role in exacerbating climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, while they provide essential nourishment, certain practices lead to biodiversity loss and resource depletion.
Environmental Costs
One of the most pressing issues in agrifood systems is their environmental impact. These systems are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through deforestation, livestock farming, and the use of fossil fuels in agriculture. Moreover, intensive farming practices result in soil degradation, water depletion, and pollution. To internalize these costs, decision-makers must implement policies that promote sustainable farming techniques, such as regenerative agriculture, which enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and sequesters carbon.
Social and Health Costs
The hidden social and health costs of agrifood systems are equally significant. Unhealthy dietary patterns, encouraged by the availability of cheap, processed foods, lead to a rise in diet-related diseases. Additionally, there is a social disparity in food access, with undernourishment prevalent in some regions while others face the challenges of overconsumption and waste. Policies aimed at creating a more equitable food system are necessary, focusing on improving access to healthy foods and reducing food waste.
Economic Implications
The economic implications of these hidden costs are substantial. The current model of agrifood systems, which often prioritizes short-term gains, overlooks long-term sustainability. This approach can lead to increased expenses in the future, such as higher healthcare costs due to diet-related diseases or the costs associated with environmental remediation. Transitioning to sustainable practices, though initially more costly, can lead to long-term economic benefits, including job creation in sustainable agriculture sectors and reduced healthcare spending.
Policy Integration and Stakeholder Collaboration
Integrating TCA into policy development is crucial. This requires collaboration between government, industry, civil society, and consumers. Governments can implement policies that incentivize sustainable practices, such as subsidies for organic farming or taxes on carbon emissions. Businesses, on the other hand, can adopt sustainable practices in their operations and supply chains, driven by consumer demand for responsible products.
Consumer Awareness and Behavior
Consumer behavior plays a vital role in transforming agrifood systems. Educating consumers about the environmental, social, and health impacts of their food choices can motivate more sustainable consumption patterns. This shift in consumer demand can drive change in the agrifood industry, leading to more responsible production practices.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
To illustrate the application of TCA in different contexts, various case studies can be explored. For instance, a study in a water-scarce region could assess the impact of different irrigation techniques on water conservation and crop yield. Another case study might evaluate the health and social consequences of shifting from a meat-based diet to a plant-based one in a specific community.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the potential of TCA, there are challenges in its implementation. These include the difficulty of quantifying certain costs and benefits, the need for comprehensive data, and resistance from stakeholders accustomed to the status quo. Further research and development of methodologies for TCA are necessary to overcome these challenges.
In conclusion, effectively incorporating the hidden costs and benefits of agrifood systems into decision-making is a complex but essential task. It requires a holistic approach, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects. By adopting True Cost Accounting and engaging various stakeholders in this process, it is possible to transform agrifood systems into sustainable models that benefit both people and the planet. The journey towards this transformation will involve challenges, but the potential rewards - a sustainable, equitable, and healthy food system - are immense.
Hello,
Regarding your request for information for SOFA 2024: Chemical agriculture has failed as food is depleted in nutrients and soils, as well as being toxic & acidified, are depleted in organic matter, moisture, microbes & worms.
My 2018 meta-analysis showed average loss by about 83% - https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8789/2/2/33/htm .
Other meta-analyses found non-organic food depleted by up to 50% in nutrients with higher toxins & heavy metal burden - doi: 10.1017/S0007114514001366 ; DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2021.1981831.
Crop yields - despite counterclaims - are the same, or lower, in chemical farming which has been well proven at Rohamsed - https://vermecology.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/critical-decline-of-minera… .
Regarding SDGs, these will continue to fail without proper and solid soil foundation. Image source – https://vermecology.files.wordpress.com/2021/03/image-27.png from https://vermecology.wordpress.com/2021/03/09/triage-time/. Official global SDGs mention “soil” only twice in passing – www.globalgoals.org/goals/15-life-on-land/ (“forest” gets 15 hits, “water” 4!); many of the deadlines are by 2020 and all have failed.
Soil erosion & species extinction rates are now at extremes which should be priority issues.
Regards, Rob Blakemore PhD; VermEcology.
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