From:  Agriculture, food security, and sustainability: a review

The crucial link between agricultural policy and global food security

Regulation categorySpecific regulationsDescriptionImpact on global food securityExamples
Food safety regulationsPesticide residue limitsSet maximum residue levels for pesticides in foodEnsures food safety and reduces health risksEuropean Union (EU) regulation 396/2005 [72, 80]
Contaminant limitsRegulates levels of heavy metals, mycotoxins, etc.Prevents foodborne illnesses and protects public healthCodex Alimentarius standards [78]
Genetically modified organism (GMO) labelingRequires labeling of genetically modified foodsInforms consumers and supports market transparencyUS GMO labeling regulations [71, 74]
Environmental sustainabilitySoil conservationEncourages practices to maintain soil healthPreserves soil fertility and prevents erosion, supporting long-term productivityUS Soil Conservation Act [39, 74, 77]
Water use regulationsControls agricultural water extraction and useEnsures sustainable water use, preventing shortages and environmental degradationEU Water Framework Directive [72, 81, 115, 116]
Biodiversity protectionProtects natural habitats and species diversityMaintains ecosystem services crucial for agriculture, like pollination and pest controlConvention on Biological Diversity [73, 76]
Economic stability and market accessAgricultural subsidiesProvides financial support to farmersEnhances agricultural productivity and stabilizes farm incomesUS Farm Bill subsidies [75, 82]
Trade regulationsSets tariffs and trade barriers on agricultural productsInfluences global food distribution and market accessWorld Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture [27, 28]
Price stabilizationImplements minimum support prices (MSPs) and buffer stocksProtects farmers from price volatility and ensures a stable food supplyIndia’s MSP system [59, 93, 114]
Research and developmentFunding for agricultural research and decelopmentInvests in research to improve crop varieties and farming practicesDrives innovation and enhances agricultural productivity and resilienceConsultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) programs [18]
Extension servicesProvides farmers with access to new knowledge and technologiesImproves farming practices and boosts productivityUS Cooperative Extension Service [54, 77, 82]
Social equity and rural developmentLand tenure securityEnsures farmers have secure land ownership or usage rightsEncourages investment in land and sustainable farming practicesKenya’s National Land Policy [48, 117]
Gender equality in agriculturePromotes equal access to resources and opportunities for womenEnhances productivity and food security by empowering women farmersFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Gender Strategy [1, 78, 118]
Rural infrastructure investmentDevelops roads, storage facilities, and market accessReduces post-harvest losses and improves food distribution efficiencyIndia’s Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rural Road program [119–121]
Food security programsSchool feeding programsProvides meals to schoolchildrenImproves child nutrition and education outcomesBrazil’s National School Feeding Program [59, 122]
Food aid and assistanceSupplies food to regions in crisisAddresses acute food insecurity and prevents hungerWorld Food Program operations [20, 76]
Climate change mitigation and adaptationClimate-smart agriculturePromotes practices that reduce emissions and increase resilienceEnhances the sustainability of food systems in the face of climate changeFAO Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook [30, 123–125]
Carbon farming incentivesRewards farmers for sequestering carbon in soilsMitigates climate change and supports sustainable agricultureAustralia’s Carbon Farming Initiative [48, 59, 79]
Health and nutritionNutrition labelingMandates disclosure of nutritional information on food productsHelps consumers make informed choices and promotes public healthUS Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nutrition Labeling [12, 13, 126]
Fortification regulationsIt requires the addition of essential vitamins and minerals to foodAddresses micronutrient deficiencies and improves public healthWorld Health Organization (WHO) fortification guidelines [29]
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