Food and Agriculture
Making agriculture and food systems more equitable, resilient, and sustainable is key to addressing many of the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges—from hunger and poverty to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Agriculture and food systems are key to sustainable development. They feed us and provide livelihoods for a significant share of the world’s population. We need to ensure they can continue to sustain future generations—without harming the natural environment upon which they depend.
IISD works with policy-makers and practitioners to help establish laws, policies, and institutions that ensure agriculture and food systems advance sustainable development.
We support the establishment of legal and policy frameworks that encourage responsible private sector investment in agriculture and food systems, particularly in low-income developing countries. We support the negotiation of multilateral trade rules for more equitable and sustainable international trade in food and agricultural products. And we seek to inform better use of public policies and spending—including official development assistance and domestic subsidies—to incentivize sustainable agriculture, tackle food insecurity, and promote sustainable food systems.
To achieve these objectives, we work with a range of stakeholders in developing countries and regions, and at the international level. We provide advice and training to governments and regional bodies; we produce practical tools and guidance for governments, investors, and civil society; and we bring these stakeholders together to engage in inclusive dialogue and peer-to-peer learning.
This work is complemented by in-depth research conducted in collaboration with leading international organizations and research institutes. Together, we produce and disseminate evidence and recommendations to improve knowledge and inspire and inform action. This feeds into important international processes to develop rules, norms, principles, and targets aimed at achieving equitable and sustainable food systems for present and future generations.
Main Areas of Work
Responsible Investment in Agriculture
IISD provides evidence, tools, training, and advice to promote responsible investments that drive the transition to more resilient and sustainable food systems.
Fair and Sustainable Trade in Food and Agriculture
IISD conducts research and facilitates dialogue to help bring about trade rules that promote equitable and sustainable international trade in food and agricultural products.
Food Systems Transformation
IISD helps governments design policies that incentivize sustainable farming practices and promote improved food security and nutrition.
Featured Resources
The Responsible Agricultural Investment Tool for Agribusiness
This tool aims to support agribusinesses in aligning their practices, procedures, and operations with principles of responsible investment in agriculture and food systems.
The IISD Model Contract Clauses for Responsible Investment in Agriculture
Customizable legal provisions to help implement international best practices, principles, and guidance on responsible agricultural investment.
ASEAN Guidelines for Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture and Forestry
These guidelines, adopted by ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry, focus on promoting responsible investment in the region's food, agriculture and forestry sectors.
Publications and Events
COP 29 | Agri-Food Systems Summit
This COP 29 side event gathers global agri-food stakeholders to explore new models of collaboration and sustainable, resilient solutions for future food systems through innovation, investment, and technology.
How Can World Trade Organization Rules and Flexibilities Promote Food Security in Least Developed Countries?
Least developed countries (LDCs) need more investment in agriculture to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security. Existing World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and flexibilities on agricultural domestic support can help. New WTO rules and flexibilities can also help LDCs attract more private investment to increase their agricultural productivity and promote their food security.
Adding Fuel to the Fire: How export restrictions can exacerbate climate change’s impacts on global food security
Higher temperatures will likely reduce agricultural yields and production in most countries, raising global food prices and worsening food security. Avoiding export restrictions is crucial.
Showcasing Practical Tools for Promoting Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems
This CFS 52 side event brings together stakeholders to showcase practical tools for promoting responsible investment in agriculture and food systems, with a focus on improving coordination and encouraging collaboration to strengthen food security and food systems transformation.
Experts
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Cristina Larrea
Director, Agriculture, Food and Sustainability Initiatives
Sean Woolfrey
Lead, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Maria Barral
Communications Officer
Steffany Bermúdez
Policy Advisor I
Livia Bizikova
Lead II, Monitoring and Governance, Tracking Progress
Facundo Calvo
Policy Analyst, Trade and Agriculture
Sara Elder
Senior Policy Advisor, Standards Workstream
Erika Luna
Policy Analyst
Nyaguthii Maina
Associate
Claire McConnell
Policy Advisor
Sally Millett
Communications Manager
Hafiz Mirza
Senior Associate, Responsible Agricultural Investment Research
Florencia Sarmiento
Policy Advisor
Ronald Tundang
Associate
Rupal Verma
Policy Analyst II
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