Innovation can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable food system

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Publication year

2020

Authors

Mario Herrero, Philip K. Thornton, Daniel Mason-D’Croz, Jeda Palmer, Tim G. Benton, Benjamin L. Bodirsky, Jessica R. Bogard, Andrew Hall, Bernice Lee, Karine Nyborg, Prajal Pradhan, Graham D. Bonnett, Brett A. Bryan, Bruce M. Campbell, Svend Christensen, Michael Clark, Mathew T. Cook, Imke J. M. de Boer, Chris Downs, Kanar Dizyee, Christian Folberth, Cecile M. Godde, James S. Gerber, Michael Grundy, Petr Havlik, Andrew Jarvis, Richard King, Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Mauricio A. Lopes, C. Lynne McIntyre, Rosamond Naylor, Javier Navarro, Michael Obersteiner, Alejandro Parodi, Mark B. Peoples, Ilje Pikaar, Alexander Popp, Johan Rockström, Michael J. Robertson, Pete Smith, Elke Stehfest, Steve M. Swain, Hugo Valin, Mark van Wijk, Hannah H. E. van Zanten, Sonja Vermeulen, Joost Vervoort & Paul C. West

Themes

Environment

Abstract

Future technologies and systemic innovation are critical for the profound transformation the food system needs. These innovations range from food production, land use and emissions, all the way to improved diets and waste management. Here, we identify these technologies, assess their readiness and propose eight action points that could accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable food system. We argue that the speed of innovation could be significantly increased with the appropriate incentives, regulations and social licence. These, in turn, require constructive stakeholder dialogue and clear transition pathways.

Header Photo: Cattle in millet field in Niger from ILRI's "ILRI Region: West Africa" album. Photo: Stevie Mann (ILRI) (source)

Innovation can accelerate the transition towards a sustainable food system