The Committee for Food Security (CFS) is embarking on the process of creating Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition. This will be an important document as it will serve as a reference guide for "governments, as well as specialized institutions and other stakeholders, on appropriate policies, investments and institutional arrangements needed to address the key causes of malnutrition in all its forms." There is scope for the guidelines to include issues such as animal welfare and reducing reliance on animal source foods.
As a first step, the CFS developed a Zero Draft of the guidelines and requested feedback and comments through the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition. The submission period for comments has closed, but WAN contributed a submission which can be viewed either on the FSN Forum or through this link. Other animal protection organizations are welcome to use our submission as a basis for future input on topics of food security and nutrition, and animal health and welfare as they relate to climate change.
The next steps in the process include the negotiation of the First Draft of the Voluntary Guidelines in February 2020.
The final version of the Voluntary Guidelines will be presented for consideration and endorsement by the CFS Plenary at its 47th Session in October 2020.
The detailed work plan of the CFS on developing the guidelines can be found here.
WAN will be keeping an eye out for opportunities to comment on the next draft, and we encourage subscribing to our blog posts (just to your right) and newsletter (via this link) to be the first to know when the next input opportunity is open.
What is the Committee on World Food Security (CFS)?
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The Committee reports to the UN General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference.
CFS develops and endorses policy recommendations and guidance on a wide range of food security and nutrition topics, based on the scientific reports produced by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE).
What is the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition?
The Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition, known as the “FSN Forum,” is an online platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on food security and nutrition facilitated by FAO’s Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
The FSN Forum allows registered members and other stakeholders to engage in policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing on food security and nutrition globally and in targeted geographic areas.
Why are Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition important?
Universal Guidelines on Food Security and Nutrition set forth by international and intergovernmental agencies provide a neutral backdrop that can serve as a template for countries to develop, update and strengthen their own national Food Based Dietary Guidelines. Contributing to what goes into these guidelines presents a unique opportunity for animal protection organizations to promote sustainable food systems and influence policies and investments related to food production and consumption, including those that incentivize meat reduction, plant-based diets and better animal welfare standards. Guidelines can prompt all actors in the food chain to make better choices that positively benefit humans, animals and the environment.
