brief

Embracing innovation to meet food systems challenges

by Channing Arndt,
Judith A. Chambers,
Patricia Zambrano,
Mohammed Issa Alahmdi,
Aishah Alatawi,
Rui Benfica,
Martin G. Edward,
Angharad M. R. Gatehouse,
Felix Moronta-Barrios and
Akhter Ahmed
Open Access
Citation
Arndt, Channing; Chambers, Judith A.; Zambrano, Patricia; Alahmdi, Mohammed Issa; Alatawi, Aishah; Benfica, Rui; Edward, Martin G.; Gatehouse, Angharad M. R.; Moronta-Barrios, Felix; and Ahmed, Akhter. 2020. Embracing innovation to meet food systems challenges. TF10: Sustainable Energy, Water, and Food Systems Policy Briefs 1. Saudi Arabia: T20. https://t20saudiarabia.org.sa/en/briefs/Pages/Policy-Brief.aspx?pb=TF10_PB1

Agrifood systems are powerful levers for improving livelihoods. They must also address an array of systemic challenges, including satisfying growing global food demand, improving diets, limiting greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to a warming climate, and sustaining the environment. Technology and innovation play a central role in meeting these challenges. This brief offers two policy recommendations to support the contribution of innovation. First, G20 countries should increase political and financial support to agrifood systems research in developing countries. Second, the G20 should promote and support science-based, responsible, and risk-assessed regulatory reforms that enable the safe deployment of promising bio-innovations.