What's Happening?
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries have adopted a joint declaration aimed at enhancing food security through innovation. The declaration was made during the ministerial-level meeting held in Seoul, chaired by Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The declaration emphasizes the importance of sustainable agri-food systems and outlines strategies to tackle food security threats across production, distribution, and consumption stages. It also focuses on adopting new technologies, bridging the digital divide, and supporting rural revitalization and young farmers. Discussions included a mid-term review of the 2030 food security roadmap and cooperation on artificial intelligence.
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Why It's Important?
The adoption of this declaration is significant as it addresses the pressing issue of food security, which is a global concern. By focusing on innovation and sustainable practices, APEC aims to improve resilience and productivity in agri-food systems. This initiative could lead to enhanced food accessibility and efficiency, benefiting economies within the APEC region, including the U.S. The collaboration on technology and policy tools may also foster international partnerships and drive economic growth in the agricultural sector.
What's Next?
Following the declaration, Korea plans to host a trilateral agriculture ministers' meeting with China and Japan. The focus will be on setting agendas for global agricultural challenges, including food security and climate action. Korea aims to pursue follow-up projects, diversify diplomatic channels, and strengthen its capacity to respond to food security challenges. There are also opportunities to deepen partnerships with Latin American and Southeast Asian countries, enhancing APEC's food crisis warning system and establishing a technology cooperation center.
