A new OECD-FAO report underlines the major challenges ahead in the global agrifood sector – including the need to sustainably feed an ever-increasing population, the impacts of the climate crisis and disruptions to food supply.

The economic impact from Russia’s war against Ukraine makes structural reforms to reduce labour shortages, protecting labour market flexibility and addressing skills mismatches even more pressing, says OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann.

The OECD’s latest report shows that sustainable productivity growth is vital to address food systems challenges and curb agricultural emissions as part of Paris Agreement targets, says Marion Jansen, Director for Trade and Agriculture.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and others joined Secretary-General Mathias Cormann to open the 2022 gathering of OECD ministers to discuss better policies for the next generation and a sustainable transition.