Agri-food leaders optimistic about sustainable food system, Alltech survey finds

LEXINGTON / US, 26 October 2023: Agri-food leaders around the world believe the industry can work together to create a better, more sustainable food system, according to a new report by Alltech.

The Alltech Sustainability Insights report, released on Tuesday, is based on a global survey of more than 2,500 members of the agri-food industry. The survey found that 85% of respondents agree that the food system can rise to the challenge of climate change and other sustainability challenges.

Key findings of the survey include:

• Climate change is a top concern. Four out of five respondents agree that climate change will make food production much more difficult in the future.
• There is a need for guidance. Almost three in four respondents reported feeling that they need more guidance to support their improvements in environmental sustainability.
• Regulation is putting pressure on the supply chain. Most respondents agree that regulation is putting pressure on all areas of the supply chain.
• Innovation is key. Ninety-two percent of respondents believe that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.
• Collaboration is essential. Ninety-three percent of respondents agree that we all must work together to create a better food system for the future.

Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech, said that the goal of the survey was to listen to the voices of the industry and its stakeholders and develop a robust, future-facing program of insights that are relevant, ambitious and genuinely impactful.

"Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption, yet it remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system," McCarthy said. "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."

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, said that the agri-food industry is facing extraordinary times, but the opportunities for positive impact are even more unprecedented.

"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," Lyons said.