(Rural Roots Canada) – Agri-food leaders worldwide are optimistic about the industry’s potential to foster a more sustainable food system.

Those are the findings of the latest Sustainability Insights report released by Alltech, a global animal health and nutrition leader.

The survey, which aimed to pinpoint key issues and attitudes within the agri-food value chain, sheds light on the industry’s collective outlook on sustainability. In a release, Tara McCarthy, Global Vice President of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) at Alltech, expressed the importance of understanding the industry’s perspective and developing impactful initiatives.

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption, yet it remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system. The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain,” she stated.

Key Findings

• Climate Change: the survey found 80% of respondents agreed that climate change will make future food production more challenging. While acknowledging the gravity of those challenges and the fragility of the current food system, optimism remains high, with 85% believing the industry can rise to the challenge.
• Environmental Sustainability: nearly three-quarters of respondents felt the need for more guidance to support improvements in environmental sustainability, particularly among retailers, food service operators, and manufacturers.
• Regulation and Incentives for Farmers: a majority of those surveyed agree regulation places pressure on various areas of the supply chain, with 66% believing financial incentives for farmers are crucial to driving meaningful change
• Role of Technology and Innovation: almost all of those surveyed, a striking 92%, emphasized the role of technology and innovation in building more sustainable food systems, recognizing its importance in overcoming any potential challenges.
• Collaboration: almost unanimously, 93% recognized the need for collaboration across the value chain to create a better food system for the future.

RELATED: RRC Podcast Ep.1 – Alltech ONE Calgary

Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech, noted that while these are extraordinary times for the agri-food industry, there are plenty of opportunities to make a positive impact. survey results

“Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goals of providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies and replenishing the planet’s natural resources.”

More than 2,500 agri-food industry members took part in the survey, along with interviews with industry leaders.

For more details and comprehensive survey results, visit Alltech’s website.