Sustainable food systems: Switzerland assumes leadership of an international multi-stakeholder initiative
Bern, 22.10.2015 - The Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme of the UN 10-Year Framework for Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns (10YFP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at accelerating the shift towards more sustainable food systems. Switzerland is taking the Co-Lead of this initiative, which is being launched today at the Milan Expo 2015.
Food systems are the basis of our food security. At the same time, they also exert considerable pressure on natural resources. The SFS Programme therefore aims topromote sustainability all along the food chain, from production to consumption. It does so through concrete activities including in the areas of awareness raising, capacity development, facilitating access to knowledge and information, and strengthening partnerships. The Programme’s steering committee confirmed Switzerland in the leadership of the initiative, together with South Africa and Hivos. The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) will assume this task for Switzerland.
The SFS Programme contributes directly towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to food and agriculture. The Programme was developed under the coordination of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with an agri-food expert group and through a broad consultation process. The Programme will be implemented over the next seven years.
Address for enquiries
Michael Hartmann, FOAG, International Sustainable Agriculture Unit, tel. +41 58 462 25 95
Publisher
Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture
http://www.blw.admin.ch
