The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)'s 2023 edition of The State of Food and Agriculture report brings a compelling analysis of agrifood systems' true costs and benefits, stirring a pivotal conversation on sustainability. The FAO emphasizes the vast, often overlooked impacts of food production and distribution on climate change, resource degradation, and health, which remain hidden due to market and policy failures.
Unveiling the Hidden Costs
The report introduces the concept of True Cost Accounting (TCA), a holistic approach to assess the multifaceted impacts of agrifood systems. This method aims to measure and value the environmental, social, health, and economic dimensions that are traditionally excluded from market transactions. The TCA framework is crucial to mitigating hidden costs and enhancing hidden benefits, ultimately guiding decision-makers toward more sustainable practices.
The Scale of Hidden Costs
A staggering figure revealed by the report is the global quantified hidden costs of agrifood systems, amounting to approximately 12.7 trillion 2020 PPP dollars in 2020. These costs arise from diverse factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, land-use changes, and the impact of diet patterns on health and productivity. The report highlights that addressing these hidden costs is essential, as they amount to almost 10 percent of the global GDP, showcasing the pressing need for action despite data uncertainties.
The Challenge of Change
Despite the clear benefits of integrating these hidden costs into economic assessments, there are significant barriers to change. Decision-makers confront a maze of conflicting objectives, and the transition towards sustainable agrifood systems is often met with resistance due to the fear of high transition costs or the discomfort with altering established habits and traditions. Moreover, the disparity in who benefits from agrifood systems and who bears the costs complicates policy decisions, underscoring the need for equitable solutions.
A Two-Phase Approach for Transformation
To catalyze this transformation, the FAO proposes a two-phase assessment using TCA. The first phase involves raising awareness through national-level assessments of hidden costs using available data. The second phase calls for targeted in-depth assessments to guide policy actions and investments, tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each country.
Towards a Sustainable Future
This report is a clarion call to action for policymakers, businesses, and consumers alike. It serves as a foundation for informed decision-making, pushing for a global agrifood system that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. By acknowledging and addressing the true cost of food, there is a pathway towards a food system that is efficient, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable — one that ensures the well-being of people and the planet alike.
As we look towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the FAO’s insights serve as a critical reminder of the urgent need to transform our agrifood systems. This transformation is not just about economics; it's a fundamental shift towards an equitable, health-conscious, and environmentally sustainable future. The true cost of food is far more than its price tag; it is about the legacy we leave for future generations.