Global Food Targets Lagging Behind 2030 Goals: Scorecard for 197 Countries Released

A study by the Food Systems Countdown Initiative covering 197 countries has revealed that global food systems are lagging behind their 2030 targets. According to the study, which assessed 44 indicators, progress was achieved on 22 indicators, while 15 indicators showed no significant change, and the situation worsened on 7 indicators. It was noted that if current trends in food-related greenhouse gas emissions continue, no country will be able to reach the zero-emission target. TÜGİS Board Chairman Kaan Sidar said that if progress is accelerated, most of the targets could be achieved by 2050.

The climate crisis, rising costs, pressure on natural resources and population growth are making access to safe, nutritious and affordable food an increasingly critical issue on a global scale. A new study prepared under the Food Systems Countdown Initiative (FSCI), jointly conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), has revealed the current level of progress in countries' food systems.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Food, 197 countries were examined under five main headings: nutrition and health, environment and natural resources, livelihoods, poverty and equity, and governance and resilience. The study evaluated the current state of countries' food systems and their level of progress toward targets across a total of 44 indicators.

Progress achieved on only half of the 44 indicators
According to the research, progress was recorded on 22 of the 44 indicators globally. While no significant change was observed in 15 indicators, it was determined that the current situation worsened further in 7 indicators.

Access to safe water, access to information, the effectiveness of public administration, and agricultural productivity were among the areas showing positive developments.

In contrast, a negative picture emerged in indicators such as civil society participation in decision-making processes, accountability in public administration, the cost of a healthy diet, food insecurity, pesticide use, ultra-processed food sales, and greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most striking results of the research concerned greenhouse gas emissions originating from food systems. It was pointed out that if current trends continue, no country will be able to reach the "zero emission" target.

Japan, Iceland and Canada stood out
The research also assessed regionally how close countries are to global food targets.

Japan achieved the results closest to the targets in 16 indicators in Asia, while Iceland stood out with 21 indicators in Europe. Canada was the best-performing country in North and South America with 17 indicators, while Tunisia recorded the results closest to the targets in 16 indicators in Africa. New Zealand, meanwhile, stood out with 14 indicators in Oceania.

The annual improvement rates required to reach the targets also varied across regions. It was noted that Africa needs to achieve an annual improvement of more than 20% in 16 indicators, including food insecurity, agricultural water use, public administration and child labor, in order to reach global benchmarks.

In Europe, on the other hand, the improvement rates required to reach the targets were found to be lower compared to other regions.

"It is possible to reach most of the targets by 2050"
Evaluating the research, TÜGİS Board Chairman Kaan Sidar drew attention to the fact that the future of food systems should not be assessed solely on the basis of production volume.

Noting that climate change, population growth and the destruction of natural resources are increasing pressure on the food ecosystem, Sidar said the following:

"Success in the field of food is not determined by production volume alone. It is also of great importance that the food produced is safe and nutritious, that consumers can access this food, and that the water, energy and raw materials used in production are managed efficiently. The research shows that all of these issues need to be addressed together, and that the progress made so far is not sufficient for the 2030 targets. If we act faster starting today, it is possible to reach most of the targets by 2050. To achieve this, we must reshape production and consumption in line with the needs of the future without wasting any time."

Noting that Türkiye's agricultural production capacity and experience in the food industry offer a significant advantage, Sidar emphasized that this potential needs to be supported with long-term policies.

Sidar said, "We have a strong production infrastructure and many years of sector experience. When we support this potential with long-term policies, we can make the Turkish food industry more resilient against climate, supply and price fluctuations."

The future of food will be discussed at the Sustainable Food Summit
The topics highlighted in the research are also planned to be addressed by sector stakeholders within the scope of the 12th Sustainable Food Summit, to be organized in cooperation with TÜGİS and the Sustainability Academy.

At the summit, to be held on December 24 at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus under the theme "Transformation for the Future of Food," topics such as the climate crisis, food waste, sustainable production, the food economy, regenerative agriculture and transformation in the supply chain will be on the agenda.

The summit, which will bring together representatives from business, government, academia and civil society, aims to evaluate solution proposals for the future of global food systems and new cooperation opportunities.

About TÜGİS
TÜGİS, one of Türkiye's first employer unions, is also among the founding members of the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK). With Türkiye's leading food producers among its members, TÜGİS has been carrying out efforts since 1961 to develop the Turkish food industry and increase its competitiveness in international markets.

TÜGİS has been contributing to sectoral efforts for over half a century through its activities related to social dialogue, labor peace and the development of the food industry.