COP29 – Transforming Agri-Food Systems

Agri-food systems –encompassing processes and actors from agricultural production to food distribution – are responsible for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. As such, embedding sustainable and innovative practices will be key to driving global climate action. 

At the same time, agri-food systems and the communities that support and depend on them are on the front lines of loss and damage linked to climate change, thus climate-resilient agriculture and adaptation must be pushed up the agenda. 

Agri-food systems in Nationally Determined Contributions 

Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are a key mechanism through which countries commit to reducing national emissions and adapting to the effects of climate change.  

New analysis published this week from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) revealed that food insecurity and biodiversity are top reported climate-related risks, included in 88% of national climate action plans. Further, 94% and 91% of NDCs identify agri-food systems as a priority for climate change adaptation and mitigation, respectively.  

Significant mitigation gaps emerge from this analysis, with NDCs only addressing around 40% from agriculture and food systems. Further, 66% of livestock emissions are unaddressed, and an 82% gap exists for pre- and post-production emissions. It is fundamental to close these gaps if 1.5°C is to stay in reach, even if fossil fuel emissions are eliminated.  

Denmark is the first country to implement a tax on agricultural emissions, placing a levy of $43 per tonne of methane from livestock, including cows and pigs. This is a considerable step as such emissions account for roughly 32% of human-caused methane emissions. 

Food, Water and Agriculture Day at COP29 

On Day Nine of the UN Climate Summit, the COP29 Presidency, with the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), launched the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration. Over 30 states are amongst initial signatories, who combined represent 47% of global methane emissions from organic waste, which includes food waste, declaring their commitment to set sectoral targets to reducing methane from organic waste within future NDCs.   

Additionally, the Presidency and FAO officially launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. Acknowledging the fundamental role of farmers as agents of climate action, the initiative provides a convening platform, helping to identify gaps and opportunities for future policymaking and support that recognise and empower farmers, villages and rural communities.   

As negotiations continue with an aim to reach a new climate finance deal, attention was brought to the fact that funding for agri-food systems is currently inadequate. FAO Assistant Director-General Viorel Gutu commented, “Unfortunately, current financing and investment are not sufficient to affect the transformation we need.” Over the past two decades, funding for agri-food systems has declined from 37% to 23% of all climate-related development finance. Small-holder farmers receive less than 1%, even though they produce around a third of the world’s food and are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as floods, droughts and wildfires. Therefore, this must be a key consideration moving forward in utilising agri-food system solutions as climate solutions.  

The Agri-Food Systems Summit at the Climate Action Innovation Zone 

Last Friday, in Baku, the Agri-Food Systems Summit brought together global leaders, farmers, business innovators, and policymakers to tackle the pressing challenges of food systems transformation.  

Among a series of panels and discussions, the Summit highlighted the critical intersections of innovation, finance, and policy in transforming global agri-food systems. It underscored the need for accessible climate finance, particularly for smallholder farmers and marginalised communities.  

A just transition was central to the dialogue, advocating for inclusive approaches that empower farmers, preserve regional farming diversity, and address systemic challenges such as inequitable value chains and market volatility. 

Dr. Andrea Porro, Secretary-General of the World Farmers’ Organisation joined the panel From the Ground Up—Farmer-led Pathways to a Just Transition, and shared a key message, “Farmers are on the frontline of climate change, but also they consider themselves an integral part of the solution to address, mitigate and adapt to climate change all over the world.” On the challenges farmers face, including lack of access to finance, Dr, Porro concluded, “Farmers have the willingness, the expertise, and resilience to lead this transition. Now it’s up to government, financial institutions and business to champion their effort, align resources, and support the changes that they are ready to make for a resilient food system from the ground up.” 

These pertinent discussions can be viewed here: Agenda | Agri-Food Systems Summit | COP29