ASCAME’s Post

🚨 I’m excited to share our latest publication: “Navigating Recent Crises in the MENA Region”, co-authored with Iacopo Maria Taddei and published via IEMed in the IEMed 2025 yearly book. In this article, we examined how external shocks — ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine — have exposed vulnerabilities in the agricultural and cereal value chains of the MENA region, particularly in countries such as Egypt and Morocco. We also explored policy responses and resilience strategies, including trade diversification, strategic reserves, and climate-smart agricultural interventions. This aligns with the objectives of the STAPLES Project (STable food Access and Prices and Lower Exposure to Shocks), which aims to support the development of resilience strategies in the MENA region. The STAPLES project is part of the PRIMA Partnership supported by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 2333. Some key questions we grapple with: 1- How dependent are countries in the region on foreign cereal imports, and what risks does that create? 2- Which policy levers can governments pull to stabilize markets, protect food security, and build resilience? 3- What role do global value chain dynamics play in shaping regional vulnerabilities — and potential opportunities? I believe this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the systemic pressures that shape food security in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly during times of crisis. I’d be pleased to hear your thoughts, critiques, or reflections. And if this topic resonates with your work or interests, I hope you'll take a moment to read it. 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dZ7Q2cWN Politecnico di Milano, University of Gastronomic Sciences - Pollenzo, Collegio Carlo Alberto, Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association - EMEA, Economic Research Forum, Université Ibn Zohr, ASCAME, @Soc. Coop. Agroalimentare e Agroindustriale del BRADANO SPA ,and CEEBA - Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations. #MedYearbook2025 #FoodSecurity #MENA #Agriculture #GlobalValueChains #Resilience #Policy #Research #Sustainability

🌾 Check out this insightful article from the STAPLES Project highlighting how the agricultural value chain — particularly in cereals — plays a vital role in ensuring #foodsecurity  and #economicresilience 💪 across the MENA region, where high import dependence heightens vulnerability to global shocks 🌍 and calls for innovative policy solutions 💡. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/ddW-RaBB

A new FAO report reveals critical gaps in global progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for food and agriculture. The findings highlight an urgent need for accelerated action and increased investment in sustainable food systems. This report underscores what we already know: business as usual will not be enough to meet our global food security and sustainability targets. Africa, with its vast agricultural potential, must be at the center of this transformation. At the African Agri Investment Indaba, we are moving beyond assessment to action. Our platform connects investors with sustainable agricultural projects, showcases innovative solutions, and facilitates the partnerships needed to drive meaningful progress on these critical goals. Join us to be part of the solution. Learn how strategic investment can bridge the gap between assessment and achievement in global food security. Read the full FAO report here: https://lnkd.in/d-j8q-DA Discover sustainable investment opportunities at African Agri Investment Indaba: www.agri-indaba.com Secure your place among the leaders building food security: https://lnkd.in/dE-webyA #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #SDGs #AfricanAgri #AgriInvestment #FAO #AAII25

Africa's Grain Trade Revolution: Bridging Gaps to Unlock Continental Food Security 11th Africa Grain Trade Summit (AGTS) brought together a powerful coalition of change-makers themed "Resilient Grain Markets: Unlocking Africa's Food Security Potential." The gathering marked a pivotal moment in Africa's journey toward integrated, self-sustaining food systems under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Why This Matters Africa imports over $43 billion worth of food annually, despite having 60% of the world's uncultivated arable land, a continent rich in agricultural potential remains dependent on external food sources. Gaps 1. Infrastructure Deficit-Poor road networks, limited storage facilities, and inadequate transportation systems. 2. Fragmented Standards and Regulations-inconsistent quality standards, phytosanitary requirements,and certification processes. 3. Limited Access to Finance-Smallholder farmers and grain traders struggle to access affordable credit and trade finance. 4. Weak Market Information Systems-Real-time price transparency and market intelligence remain inadequate. 5. Climate Vulnerability- threaten grain production, climate-smart agriculture adoption and crop insurance mechanisms remain underdeveloped. Future Opportunities Digital Transformation- mobile technology and blockchain for traceability, e-commerce platforms for grain trading, digital payment systems. Value Chain Integration- raw grain exports to processed products—creating jobs, demands of Africa's growing middle class. Strategic Partnerships- between governments, private sector, research institutions, and development partners Youth and Women Empowerment- programs to formalized grain value chains with access to finance, training, and markets. Climate-Resilient Systems-Scaling drought-resistant varieties, conservation agriculture, and index-based insurance to protect farmers and stabilize grain supply. Call to Action ✅ Enact enabling policies, invest in infrastructure,and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. ✅Investment in storage, processing, and logistics ✅ Align funding with AfCFTA priorities ✅ Evidence-based solutions for climate adaptation and productivity gains ✅ Farmers' Organizations: Strengthen collective bargaining power. ✅ Regional Bodies-harmonization and monitor implementation African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Eastern Africa Grain Council African Organisation for Standardisation - ARSO IGTC - Inford Global Trade Corporation Gafta: The Grain and Feed Trade Association #AfCFTA #AfricanGrainTrade #FoodSecurity #AGTS2025 #TradeInAfrica #IntraAfricanTrade #AgricultureTransformation #GrainMarkets #FeedingAfrica #AfricaRising #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateSmartAgriculture #FoodSystems #RegionalIntegration #AfricaTrade #AgTech #ValueChains #FarmersFirst #AfricanUnion #TradeForDevelopment #ZeroHunger #SDG2 #MadeInAfrica #AgribusinessAfrica #FutureOfFood

No — the solution is not to flood our markets with imported #beef from Argentina. 🛑 Such a move would represent a significant shift away from policies that prioritize American #agriculture, #food security, and economic resilience. 🥺 We should be strengthening our domestic #beefindustry, investing in supply chain efficiency, and ensuring fair trade practices that support American producers — not undercut them. 🇺🇸 At a time when global markets are increasingly volatile, maintaining a stable and self-reliant U.S. food system isn’t just an economic strategy — it’s a national security imperative. 🥩 Let’s keep our focus on #sustainable production, smart trade policy, and the long-term vitality of American agriculture. 🐄 #AgriculturePolicy #FoodSecurity #TradePolicy #AmericanBeef #SustainableFarming #AgEconomics #USDA #AgIndustry #RuralEconomy #FarmToTable #AgLeadership

🌍 How can we reimagine agri-food value chains to thrive in a world of shifting alliances and accelerating change?   As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, this session will explore how Asia-Pacific and international agri-food alliances are being reshaped, highlighting new opportunities for multi-stakeholder and public-private partnerships.   It will examine the frameworks needed to align government policy, industry innovation, and investment capital, with a focus on de-risking and scaling regionally relevant solutions.   The discussion will also address how emerging technologies and data sharing can foster trust and transparency across agri-food networks, strengthening collaboration at every stage of the value chain.   🎙 Featuring: Lesly Goh, Scientist, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS & Former CTO, World Bank Group Diedrah Kelly, Executive Director, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada Unupom Kausik, Managing Director, National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) Bastavee B., Head - Food & Agribusiness Institutional Banking Group, DBS Bank   💡Connected Agri-Food Value Chains: How Can We Strengthen Regional and Global Collaboration in a Changing World? 🗓 04 November 🕥 10:40 – 11:10   🎟️ Secure your ticket today and join the session: https://lnkd.in/dvC9ar5G

What lessons can agriculture and agri-food learn from the rest of the economy in managing complex risks? This question will be addressed during a fireside chat at the CAPI Exchange conference, Canadian Agri-Food in a Risky World featuring Edward Greenspon (Executive Advisor, Relationships Office & Co-Chair, Future of Canada Centre, Deloitte); Leah Olson, MBA and MPPPA (Managing Partner at Stirlingville Ventures); and Andrea Johnston (former Assistant Deputy Minister for Innovation Canada at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada). With Canada’s agri-food sector navigating a period of intensified risk, this discussion will examine whether current public and private leadership is truly prepared for what lies ahead. More info: https://lnkd.in/gUTcBBh3 Canadian Agri-Food in a Risky World is funded in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriAssurance Program. #CAPIExchange2025 #SustainableCdnAg

Agbiz Chief Economist Wandile Sihlobo unpacks the G20 & B20 for agriculture South Africa is set to host the G20 in 2025, but what does that mean for agriculture, food security, and trade across the continent? In this episode of AgriView, we break down the key outcomes from the recent G20 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting in the Western Cape. From global food security and resilient supply chains, to sustainable farming and reducing trade barriers, discover how global best practices can drive growth locally and across Africa. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/d8hQH6vN #AgriView #Agbiz #G20 #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #Trade

It is important to analyze the issue of global North/South food-related wealth in a few ways. It might be good to separate globally traded food from food consumed domestically. Transportation and processing of global food adds value if food is produced more cheaply in some markets and then sold into wealthier markets that are willing to pay more for out-of-season product, processing, higher quality, etc. For example, higher-valued foods might tend to be sold to developed countries (think seafood or olive oil) while lower-valued cereals and grains are exported more to developing economies. If wheat is grown locally for bread, is the value added greater because it is in France rather than Mexico? Or is it because the cost of labor is greater in France at every level from farmer to consumer? Another factor could be that the analysis focuses on the price along the supply chain without reflecting or being adjusted for the cost of living along the supply chain. This is why it’s hard to agree on a global poverty line or where food insecurity begins. We don’t measure the same things in the same way. What is referred to as wealth may be little more than costs. Think about it. https://lnkd.in/eQmR4_WD

📢A High-Level Dialogue on Mercosur's Agrifood Future CGIAR Policy Innovations Science Program is leading a critical discussion on the future of agriculture and food systems in the Mercosur region. This high-level event will feature the official presentation of the 2nd Mercosur Outlook, offering a forward-looking analysis with 10-year projections on production, consumption, and exports of grains and oilseeds in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. A key highlight will be a pivotal policy discussion with the Ministers of Agriculture from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They will address strategies to strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability across the region's food systems. More details: https://lnkd.in/dwSAtEzs CGIAR International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Clemens Breisinger Valeria Piñeiro Rajalakshmi Nirmal Sam Gituro