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  • Publication | 2020

Food Systems – Definition, Concepts and Application for the UN Food Systems Summit

Global Food and Nutrition Security

This paper aims to inform about concepts and definitions of food systems and determinants of their change. To foster a clear understanding of food systems, especially with regard to the upcoming Food Systems Summit, the paper presents a food systems concept based on the five goal-oriented Action Tracks (serving SDG2) and their interlinkages. The paper suggests a food system definition that encompasses the broad set of actors and drivers and embeds the concept of sustainability within it. Annexes to the paper draw attention to selected food systems studies and important policy papers that draw on food systems concepts.