Private Seed Sector Renews Commitment to Agrifood Systems Transformation

FAO Headquarters, Rome?- Last week, 联合国粮农组织 held the World Food Forum anchored on the theme "Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action." The forum was then followed by the 51st Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).

ISF Secretary General Michael Keller participated in both events as Chair of the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) , which is the elected focal point of the CFS Private Sector Mechanism (PSM). At the same time,?the private seed sector took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to contribute to the transformation of food systems globally.

At the World Food Forum, Michael spoke on several occasions. As chair of the side event "Investing in Youth in Agrifood Systems for Accelerated Climate Action," he brought into focus?the pivotal role that youth play in shaping the future of agriculture. This session acted as a catalyst in?encouraging climate action and fostering?innovation within the industry through?the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Additionally, Michael?moderated the session "Accelerator Mentorship Programme for Women-led SMEs in Africa,"?where women agro-entrepreneurs from?Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya shared how the FAO-IAFN program has helped them create more inclusive and equitable businesses along the agrifood value chain.

Finally, Michael spoke at?the Closing Session of the?Science & Innovation Forum, where he shared his key takeaways from the Forum, insights into the future of agrifood systems,?and stressed the need for?consistent, science-based policies?to drive innovation, sustainable agriculture, and food security on a global scale.

"As?chair of IAFN,?I was so proud of the 70+ remarkable individuals representing the diverse facets of the private agricultural value chain during the events at FAO. Together we actively engaged?through numerous bilateral meetings with governments, discussions with the FAO leadership, panels with youth, scientists, national authorities, women entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders, ensuring that the voice of the private sector was heard loud and clear," he said.

At the 51st session of the Committee on World Food Security, Michael spoke during the session on "Monitoring the CFS policy recommendations on food price volatility and social protection," where he reiterated the private sector's commitment to work together with other stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and multilateral organizations, to deliver a positive, lasting impact for farmers on the ground.

For more information on both events, visit the World Food Forum and CFS websites. To learn more about IAFN, visit their website.

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