Last updated: 8 October 2007

Consumer demand for different food products has changed in important ways over the last thirty years. For example, in both developed and developing countries, increasing per capita incomes, demographic shifts, urbanisation, smaller family units, and other life style changes have increased the demand for processed and imported food and individual portions and packaging . Throughout the world these changes have had a profound impact on the production and consumption of food. For example, there have been significant structural changes in the food production systems and processing industry. These changes have reflected a number of issues including consumer demands, concentration and competition in the international food market, farm policy and programmes, technological developments, and public and private attitudes towards, for example, food safety, nutritional labelling and environmental concerns.

As a result of these rapid changes and their effects, consumers and governments are becoming increasingly concerned about the way in which agriculture is organised. The recent BSE outbreaks in Europe and developments in the application of genetically modified organisms, increasing environmental concerns and the growing power of multinational companies have resulted in an emerging global debate about agricultural practices and food production. Consumer concerns about food safety and quality, animal welfare and the environment are leading some governments to outline new visions for future agri-food policies in recognition of the need for reforms, but there is still a long way to go.

Sustainable farming requires a global commitment. If developed countries are serious about pursuing sustainable farming at home, they must also ensure that their trading partners can do the same, regardless of their ability to support it through public finances. It is thus essential to look into the scope for transferring resources from developed to developing countries for this purpose.

There are many challenges that need to be overcome to address these problems and develop and promote sustainable consumption and production. Firstly, there is no generally agreed definition of sustainable food production - especially from a consumer perspective. What is urgently needed is to define what sustainable food production and consumption means to CI's regions, and from that evolve a contemporary and coherent policy which can be used in all the regions in its own right but also when working with more specific topics. Also mapping perceptions of 'sustainable food production', linking this to cultural differences, and consumption patterns will be a priority for this programme.

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