FAO Corporate Initiative Spotlight: Agrifood systems transformation through Swiss private sector innovation

The FAO Liaison Office in Geneva (FAO LOG) in close cooperation with the FAO Resource Mobilization and Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSR) is spearheading private sector engagements with Swiss businesses and associations. This engagement has demonstrated that Switzerland is a hub for research and innovation which can contribute to agrifood systems transformation, and that the Swiss private sector is eager to collaborate with FAO to work towards resilient, inclusive, sustainable and efficient agri-food systems.

Reducing methane emissions from cows, developing milling technology for local heritage grains and pulses, developing plant-based meat alternatives – these are just a few examples of how Swiss businesses are innovating and contributing to agrifood systems transformation. Following the visit of Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol in February 2023, the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, in close cooperation with the Resource Mobilization and Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSR) and the Office of the Chief Economist (DDCG), has rolled out a series of engagements with the Swiss private sector. The purpose of this engagement is to identify collaboration and partnerships with Swiss businesses which can contribute to agrifood systems transformation.

In addition to mapping out companies and business associations relevant to FAO’s work, FAO in Geneva has created greater awareness among these partners about FAO’s mission and support to Members. Introductory discussions with partners, have led to two webinars where FAO showcased its new private sector strategy, with a particular focus on the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum which will take place in Rome, 16-20 October 2023. Building on the great interest from some actors, FAO LOG and PSR have also visited several companies and association to learn more about their activities, inform them about FAO’s work and identify areas of possible collaboration.

These discussions have led to the identification of potential areas of collaboration, see some examples underneath:
Science and innovation is a recurring theme and will be explored further with the relevant HQ departments and possibly some country offices with a view to roll out Swiss technological solutions which could have transformative benefits at scale;
FAO is a trusted partner for its members when it comes to providing data and analysis. The Swiss private sector is also a powerhouse for information in certain areas, concerning their areas of operation. Tapping into these data sources could further enable FAO to better support  its members in designing better policies and interventions;
Some Swiss private sector players have state of the art knowledge in the field of food and agriculture and some even have training programmes set up globally. Learning more about this area could lead to synergies and additional training opportunities for stakeholders in developing countries.
Following these initial steps, the next phase of FAO LOG’s private sector engagements entails working with each partner to identify concrete follow ups. The objective is to achieve better adherence to the SDGs and creating business allies to champion agrifood systems transformation.

FAO Corporate Initiative Spotlight
The FAO Corporate Initiative Spotlight is a new feature article series of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, that delves into the heart of FAO’s corporate initiatives. Published for each newsletter, this series explore the inner workings of FAO’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and global food security. Through real-world examples, the article showcases how these initiatives make impact on a global scale.