USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Chairs APEC Food Security Ministerial, Emphasizes Importance of Sustainable, Resilient Agri-Food Systems

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently chaired the Food Security Ministerial as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) U.S. Host Year. The event highlighted the critical relationship between agri-food systems and climate change, food security, and sustainable productivity growth. Secretary Vilsack led engagement with APEC member economy leaders, delegates, and industry representatives on the importance of building a more resilient and interconnected region that advances broad-based economic prosperity through sustainable, resilient agri-food systems. The Secretary emphasized the crucial role of innovation in seeking solutions to climate change, sustainable agricultural productivity growth, and global food security.

Key Takeaways:

• The APEC U.S. Host Year focuses on the 2023 agricultural sub-theme, "Together Achieving Sustainable, Equitable, and Resilient Agri-Food Systems," to promote sustainable and equitable agri-food systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of collaboration with other nations to share best practices and information on mitigating and adapting to climate change, optimizing agricultural production, and minimizing environmental impacts.
• The APEC Ministerial underscores the urgency of achieving sustainable, equitable, and resilient agri-food systems to address global food needs and build resilient systems capable of withstanding future shocks like pandemics, conflict, severe weather, and climate change.
• The event showcases the U.S. commitment to APEC member economies, emphasizing the importance of shared goals, innovation, and knowledge transfer in promoting sustainable agri-food systems.
• USDA's participation in APEC highlights the Department's dedication to addressing global food security concerns through international cooperation, sustainable agricultural practices, and climate-resilient innovations.
• The APEC Ministerial Documents and Proceedings, available online, detail the discussions on climate change, sustainability, and agri-food system resilience.

Statistics:

• 2023 APEC U.S. Host Year focuses on the agricultural sub-theme, "Together Achieving Sustainable, Equitable, and Resilient Agri-Food Systems."
• The APEC Ministerial emphasized the critical relationship between agri-food systems, climate change, food security, and sustainable productivity growth.
• Secretary Vilsack highlighted the importance of innovation in seeking climate-resilient agricultural solutions and sustainable food systems.

Sources:

• "U.S. Department of Agriculture" Press Release, "Secretary Vilsack Chairs APEC Food Security Ministerial Highlights Importance of Sustainable, Resilient Agri-Food Systems," August 3, 2023.