Following UNFSS 2021, the five action chairs: GAIN, CARE, EAT, ICCCAD and WWF as well as the Club of Rome and C40 established the Transforming Urban-Rural Food Systems (TURFS) Consortium (formerly called the Food Forward Consortium - FFC). Their aim was to build an inclusive global coalition of dedicated non-state actors to tangibly catalyse food systems transformation, at scale, locally and globally.
TURFS harnesses each member’s expertise, influence, and credibility, to achieve inclusive, systemic impact at the intersection of climate, nutrition, livelihoods, biodiversity and other environmental aspects. This is further strengthened by their combined presence in more than 100 countries, and their diversity of key stakeholder relationships, spanning governments, businesses, civil society, multilateral organisations, and research centres. Alongside Lawrence Haddad (GAIN Executive Director), the Food Systems Governance and Environmental programmes support GAIN’s engagement in TURFS.
TURFS and Cities
TURFS have developed a bold proposal, which presents Cities as strategic entry points for food systems transformation.
TURFS Cities Vision
TURFS will harness the power of cities in shaping urban-rural food systems. Emphasising health, resilience, sustainability and equity, TURFS aims to pioneer a global shift in our food systems.
Why Cities?
Cities are uniquely positioned to facilitate and accelerate food systems transformation. Globally more people live in urban areas with the bulk of food produced being consumed and wasted by urban residents. Presently, more than half of the world lives in cities. This is projected to rise to 70% of the global population by 2050.
Leadership, stakeholder engagement within cities, across the rural – urban landscape and across multiple levels of government as well as evidence, best practices and governance tools can be leveraged by cities to drive sustainable food systems transformation that is systemic, inclusive and innovative. This offers resilience through win-win solutions that benefit communities’ quality of life, health of the planet and economic prosperity.
What we will do:
Funded by a Laudes Foundation grant, the TURFS Consortium developed a strategic plan to support cities in transforming urban-rural food systems. The Consortium presents a dynamic, multifaceted and scalable intervention model. This model is attentive to local context, agency and sustained effort. It is also designed to be amplified across cities through networks, sharing platforms and with support from national governments. Underpinning this model is a balance of expertise, evidence, relationships and city mandates with a people centric co-design ‘’win-win’’ solution approach.
TURFS aims to support cities to:
- Use best available evidence in decision-making and reference science-based targets;
- Create an enabling environment for regenerative food production and consumption;
- Increase public support and engagement for food system transformation, through broad campaigns and targeted engagement to improve consumption of healthy and sustainable foods;
- Engage businesses and promote private sector commitment of resources towards the goal of healthier and more sustainable consumption patterns, including reduced food loss and waste;
- Enhance resilience and ensure on-going food security during emergencies through robust early warning and comprehensive risk management mechanisms;
- Lead other cities and influence national governments and international fora around the agenda of healthy, sustainable and just food systems transformation at scale.
TURFS Engagement and Resources
TURFS at UNFSS+2
TURFS Consortium co-led the special event entitled “Leveraging Urbanisation for Food Systems Transformation” event with FAO and the Sustainable Urban Food Systems Coalition during the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking moment. The event convened TURFS principal – Joao Campari (Global Leader of Food Practice, WWF), along with mayors, ministers, and academicians to heighten awareness, advocate and learn about cities and how working towards shared food systems goals with countries.
TURFS event on Sustainable Consumption, Healthy Affordable Food for All and Reducing Food Loss and Waste
Shifting consumption and reducing food loss & waste (FLW) are critical action areas for both the climate and the goal of affordable, healthy, sustainable food for all. Together with the COP28 Presidency and High Level Climate Champions, TURFS Consortium will be organising an event on Sustainable Consumption, Healthy Affordable Food for All and Reducing Food Loss and Waste on December 10.
TURFS supports the Non-State Actors Call to Action for COP28
The TURFS consortium recognises the leadership and administrative potential of cities as hubs for just, transformative food systems change. This strongly aligns with NSA’s call to action on food systems, as put forward by the high level climate champions. In particular, this call seamlessly aligns with TURFS primary goal of catalysing global wave of change through local actions, aiming to achieve resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban-rural food systems by 2030.