How Public and Private Forces Are Reshaping What We Eat
Imagine a world where farmers in sub-Saharan Africa battle temperatures higher than in any year since the dawn of agriculture 10,000 years ago, while tech startups in Switzerland convert food waste into valuable protein using artificial intelligence.
of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food systems 7
of the world's population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity 1
This contrast represents one of the greatest challenges of our time: how to transform our global food system to feed a growing population without destroying the planet. The solution to this complex challenge requires an unprecedented collaboration between the public sector (governments, international organizations, and research institutions) and the private sector (startups, corporations, and investors).
Public and private sectors working together
Technological breakthroughs driving change
Creating systems that nourish people and planet
When scientists talk about "food systems," they refer to the entire complex network connecting farm to fork—including every aspect of growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consuming, and disposing of food.
A food systems approach represents a holistic view that recognizes the interconnection between food production and critical issues like health, environment, and the economy 1 .
This perspective reveals surprising connections and trade-offs. For example, lack of food security doesn't just mean hunger—it compromises health, reduces equity, and even contributes to serious problems like diabetes, even in low and middle-income countries 7 .
| Component | Description | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Farming of crops, livestock, aquatic foods | Climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity |
| Processing | Conversion of raw ingredients to food products | Energy use, nutrient loss, waste generation |
| Distribution | Transportation, storage, and marketing of food | Supply chain inefficiencies, food losses, emissions |
| Consumption | Purchase, preparation, and eating of food | Nutrition, food safety, cultural preferences |
| Waste Management | Disposal or reuse of food waste | Environmental pollution, lost resources |
The public sector—comprising governments, international organizations like the UN, and research institutions—has traditionally focused on agricultural subsidies and food security programs. Today, that role is expanding dramatically toward what UN officials describe as "coordinated, multi-sectoral transformation" that enhances "food security, resilience, and inclusive development" 5 .
Countries are developing increasingly sophisticated approaches to food system governance. Kyrgyzstan, for instance, has advanced a series of foundational policies, including a Food Security and Nutrition Program (2025-2030), new draft Food Safety Law, and a Strategic Plan for Veterinary Services (2025-2028) 5 .
At the global level, political will is gradually aligning with opportunity. In January 2025, African agriculture ministers adopted the Kampala Declaration, committing to mobilize a total of US$100 billion in public and private sector investment in African agriculture and food systems by 2035 1 .
Global commitment to transform food systems for sustainable development
Launch of first National Food Security Management Information System
African ministers commit to US$100 billion investment in agriculture
Global community assesses progress since 2021 Summit
The private sector's role in food systems has evolved beyond mere agricultural input suppliers and food manufacturers to become sources of radical innovation. From startups to multinational corporations, private entities are driving technological breakthroughs and business model innovations that address long-standing challenges.
Companies like Phyx44 Labs are creating precision fermentation alternatives to animal proteins, enabling a more ethical and sustainable food system 6 .
MOA FoodTech blends biotechnology and AI to convert agri-food waste into high-value protein for food and feed 6 .
Level Nine applies AI and remote sensing to help food producers monitor environmental impact and boost supply chain transparency 6 .
| Innovation Area | Example Technologies/Solutions | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Proteins | Precision fermentation, plant-based analogs, cellular agriculture | Reduced environmental footprint, improved animal welfare |
| Digital Agriculture | AI-powered advisory services, remote sensing, blockchain traceability | Increased productivity, reduced input use, enhanced transparency |
| Food Waste Valorization | Upcycled ingredients, waste-to-protein technologies, circular business models | Reduced environmental impact, new revenue streams |
| Sustainable Inputs | Green fertilizers, biological pest control, climate-resilient crops | Reduced pollution, enhanced biodiversity, climate adaptation |
To understand how public and private sectors can collaborate effectively, we can examine a specific implementation of digital agriculture technology in Ethiopia—the Farmer.Chat app, powered by AI, which allows extension agents to share highly personalized information and advice with farmers 1 .
| Performance Metric | Before Implementation | After Implementation | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Yields | Baseline | +38% | +38% |
| Fertilizer Use Efficiency | Baseline | Significant improvement | Major increase |
| Cost of Agricultural Extension | Baseline | 1/10th of original cost | 90% reduction |
| Personalization of Advice | Limited | Highly personalized | Significant improvement |
Transforming food systems requires a diverse set of scientific tools and approaches. Researchers across public and private institutions are drawing on an expanding toolkit of technologies and methodologies to address different aspects of food system challenges.
Function: Uses microorganisms to produce specific proteins or other compounds
Application: Creating alternative proteins, functional ingredients 6
Function: Modifies biochemical pathways in plants to enhance resilience or nutritional value
Application: Developing crops capable of withstanding climate change pressures and diseases 7
Function: Produces charcoal from organic waste to improve soil health and sequester carbon
Application: Regenerative agriculture to enhance soil fertility and mitigate climate change 6
The transformation of our global food system represents one of the most complex challenges humanity faces—but also one of the most significant opportunities.
As we've seen, neither the public nor private sector can tackle this alone. The most promising solutions emerge from collaborative approaches that leverage the strengths of both: the public sector's ability to set policies, coordinate action, and ensure equity; and the private sector's capacity for innovation, efficiency, and scaling successful solutions.
The emerging global food system will likely be characterized by greater regional diversity—with solutions tailored to specific contexts—while being connected through global knowledge networks.
As countries prepare for events like COP30 in Brazil and continue to implement their national food system transformation plans, the need for collaborative action has never been more urgent—or more promising.
Our food future won't be built by any single breakthrough, policy, or organization, but through the collective efforts of farmers and scientists, policymakers and entrepreneurs, all working toward a common goal: a food system that nourishes both people and the planet.