Farmer collectives, research, policy and advocacy institutions in Central Asia and Asia-Pacific region called for an urgent change to the prevailing yield-for-immediate-profit structure of agriculture. Their proposal of a multi-functional diversified agri-food structure, hinging on Forgotten Foods to reap benefits for the planet, farmers and consumers, will guide a global manifesto set to be presented at the UN Food Systems Summit later this year.
The Regional Consultation on Forgotten Foods in Asia-Pacific held on 28 May 2021 aimed to improve recognition of Forgotten Foods by multiple stakeholders in agriculture. “Together with farmers and other innovation actors in the Asia-Pacific region, we need to define the change needed for research systems and value chain,” said Dr Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Secretary, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI). With 250 participants from around the world, the consultation resulted in a regional manifesto on Forgotten Foods.