Systemic solutions based on science and innovations are critical for advancing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. This is relevant in the context of promoting sustainable supply and use of forest ecosystem services through innovations; FAO promotes all key innovations (e.g. technological, social, policy, institutional, and financial). It is crucial for advancing a sustainable bioeconomy.

Rural producers operate in a very complex reality. They are faced with serious and interconnected challenges such as globalized and unstable markets, volatile prices, a degrading natural resource base and the effects of climate change. In addition, especially in developing countries, access to markets represent a serious problem due to, among other factors, poor infrastructure, difficult-to-comply quality standards and requirements (such as certifications and food safety standards).

Despite high temperatures and limited water resources, arid regions show promise for aquaculture. New innovative technologies like aquaponics and closed recirculation systems now enable fish farming in these challenging environments. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is at the forefront of supporting countries in the Near East and North Africa to harness these technologies, providing technical assistance, environmental and socio-economic assessments, and institutional capacity building.

The subprogramme aimed to strengthen agrifood systems in East and Southern Africa, focusing on enhancing resilience, sustainability and inclusivity. Designed in response to the challenges facing agrifood systems in the region, including economic, social, environmental and health pressures, the subprogramme sought to address these issues through improved policymaking, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for resilient agrifood systems, reinforcing the importance of this initiative.

Packaging plays an important role in keeping food fresh and safe but generates waste in the form of plastic and other materials. A circular approach to food packaging can reduce packaging waste that is harmful to the environment. There are important food safety considerations for producers and consumers to be aware of, to ensure circular food packaging solutions are safe.This brief provides an overview of the food safety considerations in implementing circular food packaging solutions in the transformation to a circular agrifood system.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) recognise the important role youth, startups, innovation and digital technologies play in modernising agriculture and creating employment in the agriculture and rural development sector. As a result, FAO and ZJU collaborating to foster an innovation and entrepreneurship environment for increased use of technologies and adoption of innovation.

Effective fisheries management, which is crucial for maintaining healthy fish stocks, relies on decisions about species selection, fishing locations, seasons, and catch limits. These decisions must balance social and economic benefits with the preservation of marine ecosystems. Reliable, up-to-date data is essential for making informed choices, but obstacles such as a lack of data standardization, underreporting, and data gaps often hinder this process.