APEC calls for urgent response to global food security challenge

On August 20, at the 9th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministers' Meeting (FSMM) held in Trujillo, Peru, ministers from member countries called for a comprehensive approach and urgent action to address regional and global food security challenges.

In a statement issued after the conference, ministers said the intertwined impacts of climate change, supply chain disruptions and economic inequality were increasingly threatening the stability of the world's food system.

The Minister of Agricultural Development and Irrigation of Peru, Mr. Ángel Manero Campos, said that the above problems are increasingly showing themselves to be the main threat to global food security, causing scarcity and pushing up food prices.

Meanwhile, a growing global population is driving up demand for food, putting pressure on already depleted resources. Economic inequality remains a significant barrier, leaving millions of people unable to afford adequate food and nutrition.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many vulnerabilities in the global agri-food system, further reflecting the urgent need to ensure stability and sustainability for the agricultural sector.

In the Asia-Pacific region, food security challenges are exacerbated by natural disasters that destroy crops and infrastructure.

Economic development gaps also lead to inequality in access and affordability of food while rapid urbanization erodes the value of agricultural land.

Addressing food security challenges requires coordinated action at the regional and global levels, including strengthening support and empowerment for smallholder farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, women, youth, indigenous peoples and other groups with untapped economic potential, according to Mr. Manero.

Mr. Manero also called on APEC members to continue prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices to conserve natural resources and protect the environment, take proactive measures to minimize the impact of climate change by promoting agro-ecological activities, investing in renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable land and water management activities, etc.

Peruvian minister proposes leveraging digital technology to improve agricultural productivity, increase market transparency and reduce food loss and waste.

At the end of the meeting, APEC ministers reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, including implementing the Aotearoa Action Plan.

The plan aims to ensure long-term food security, food safety and improved nutrition for all, as well as reduce food loss and waste in the region by promoting agricultural and food trade, sustainability and innovation, and promoting green, resilient and low-emission agriculture.