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Sustainable food production is a key pillar in our journey to food security. While the current landscape for Voluntary Sustainable Certifications Programmes (VSCs) in emerging markets largely favors the export market, it's important to acknowledge the numerous potential these certifications hold for the future of agriculture. We cannot ignore the fact that global consumers are increasingly demanding sustainably produced foods, and this trend will undoubtedly influence our local markets for some commodities over time. The pressing question then becomes: how do we bridge this gap and make VSCs truly beneficial and accessible for the average farmer?
Firstly, we need to adapt VSCs to our local context. The existing VSC models are often designed with large, global supply chains in mind, which makes them less adaptable and unaffordable. Thus, there is a need for us to explore and develop flexible, context-specific VSCs that reflect our realities. This could mean simplified standards that focus on a few critical sustainability thematic areas – most relevant to our local ecosystems and social structures. By doing this, we can significantly reduce the burden and costs of extensive documentation, implementation and external audits.
In addition, exploring collaborative funding models should be considered for VSCs. Instead of placing the entire financial burden on individual farmers, we need to foster strong partnerships. Imagine our government agencies, local NGOs, and private sector players within the sector coming together, pulling resources together for the purpose of producing sustainably. Such partnerships could offer crucial subsidies, direct technical assistance, and could facilitate group certification schemes. All of which would reduce the financial strain on the farmers and make VSCs a far more attractive and valuable proposition.
Finally, we must actively work to stimulate local demand for certified produce. This requires a concerted effort by stakeholders to create more awareness to consumers about the benefits of sustainably grown food – not just in terms of its positive environmental impact, but also for their own health and well-being of all those involved. We can achieve this through widespread awareness campaigns using media, forging strong partnerships with retail outlets and supermarkets and also through direct-to-consumer initiatives. When consumers truly begin to demand certified products, the market itself will naturally incentivize farmers to pursue these valuable distinctions.
Therefore, the journey to making VSCs an empowering tool for every farmer requires a strong collaborative effort. It demands innovation, dedicated investment, and most importantly, a shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous food system for all. This is the reality we all must embrace NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
In addition, exploring collaborative funding models should be considered for VSCs. Instead of placing the entire financial burden on individual farmers, we need to foster strong partnerships. Imagine our government agencies, local NGOs, and private sector players within the sector coming together, pulling resources together for the purpose of producing sustainably. Such partnerships could offer crucial subsidies, direct technical assistance, and could facilitate group certification schemes. All of which would reduce the financial strain on the farmers and make VSCs a far more attractive and valuable proposition.
Finally, we must actively work to stimulate local demand for certified produce. This requires a concerted effort by stakeholders to create more awareness to consumers about the benefits of sustainably grown food – not just in terms of its positive environmental impact, but also for their own health and well-being of all those involved. We can achieve this through widespread awareness campaigns using media, forging strong partnerships with retail outlets and supermarkets and also through direct-to-consumer initiatives. When consumers truly begin to demand certified products, the market itself will naturally incentivize farmers to pursue these valuable distinctions.
Therefore, the journey to making VSCs an empowering tool for every farmer requires a strong collaborative effort. It demands innovation, dedicated investment, and most importantly, a shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous food system for all. This is the reality we all must embrace NOW.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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