Cooperatives play a fundamental role in improving the functioning of global food systems. They were created to empower producers and consumers as well as to shorten supply chains by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries.
Ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 on 23 September, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) released a series of recommendations, urging member states and international organisations to recognise the sector’s important role.
Cooperatives make important contributions to all five Summit action tracks. They contribute to ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all; lead efforts to shift to sustainable consumption patterns; can help boost nature positive production; advance equitable livelihoods; and build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress.
The ICA believes cooperatives should be seen as a valuable partner in the global effort to build a more sustainable food system and that governments should consult the sector when developing and promoting food security policies.
The ICA believes that governments should enhance the role of cooperatives in scaling up production as well as ensure a better position of the individual farmers and fishermen in the supply chain. It also encourages them to actively promote the role of cooperatives in the ecological transition.
Another recommendation is that the governments should ensure adequate policy support for cooperatives to be able to work in stable partnerships with a wide range of other stakeholders. Cooperatives can also serve as a tool to revitalise rural areas and reduce regional disparities, including by adopting policies that encourage the participation of women and youth in decision-making and business.
In light of these valuable contributions, the ICA asks governments to strengthen domestic food production infrastructure and food supply chains by working together with cooperatives and other stakeholders.
Know more about cooperatives’ contribution to strengthening agri and food systems worldwide here and ICA’s recommendations to UN Food Systems Summit 2021 here.
