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.
Publications and Events
2024 Investment Policy Forum
The 16th edition of the International Institute for Sustainable Development's (IISD) Investment Policy Forum will be held in Manila, the Philippines, in October 2024.
Second Joint Event on Fostering Parliamentary Action and Collaboration for Effective Implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry
This 2-day event will bring together parliamentarians and other stakeholders to explore opportunities to work toward effective implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible Investment in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry.
Modelling the Impacts of Policy Interventions for Agrifood Systems Transformation in Indonesia
This report provides context and insights for agrifood systems transformation efforts in Indonesia by detailing an innovative modelling approach and offering policy implications and next steps to inform the Indonesian government's development planning.
International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade Conference 2024
The 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade (IIFET) Conference will be held from July 15 to 19, 2024 in Penang, Malaysia.
Experts
Nathalie Bernasconi-Osterwalder
Vice-President, Global Strategies and Managing Director, Europe
Cristina Larrea
Director, Agriculture and Sustainability Standards
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
Lead, Responsible Agricultural Investment Research
Florencia Sarmiento
Policy Advisor
Ronald Tundang
Associate
Rupal Verma
Policy Analyst II
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