Role of the Food Supply Chain Stakeholders in Achieving UN SDGs

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of main food supply chain stakeholders and their role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As this supply chain is global, playing a significant role in feeding the world, a deeper analysis of 17 SDGs, their targets and indicators reveals numerous direct and indirect connections with various SDGs. To perform such an overview, the authors investigated the link between the main stakeholders of the chain (farmers, food processors, food traders and consumers) with UN SDGs. In parallel, the authors explored the roles of policymakers, inspection services, certification bodies and academia in supporting these SDGs. In spite of numerous papers, calculations and estimations, discussion and media coverage, the authors believe that only the tip of the iceberg has been revealed. Based on this overview, the authors emphasize SDG 2—Zero Hunger and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production as the most dominant for the food supply chain. In parallel, the achievement of SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals will enable deeper intertwining of the goals and all stakeholders in the food supply chain continuum. Additional efforts are needed to pave the way for fulfilling the targets of the UN SDGs and exceeding expectations of all stakeholders.

An overview of the interactions between food production and climate change

“…The contribution of more sustainable approaches to agriculture and making it more resilient to climate change may support current efforts to increase the food security of rural communities and, inter alia, the fight against poverty and hunger. Bibliometric analysis confirms the link of this stage to UN SDGs similar to the work of (Djekic et al, 2021). In the final (consumption) stage, food waste is linked with climate change in terms of sustainable diets (SDG 2 and 3) and consumption (SDG12).…”

The role of food systems in achieving the sustainable development goals: Environmental perspective

“…These findings lead to the need for considering different strategies in the measurement and disclosure of carbon-related information (Herold et al, 2019). This is pronounced in terms of aligning strategies of the food supply chains to the UN SDGs, particularly SDG 12-Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action (Djekic et al, 2021).…”

Assessment of Environmental Impacts from Different Perspectives—Case Study of Egg Value Chain System in Serbia

“…Research by Van Berkum et al emphasizes the importance of integrating all activities and actors within the food value chain through a holistic approach, as a key analytical framework to support strategic management decision-making associated with sustainable development of food systems [ 5 ]. To implement the sustainability strategy in the food industry, in addition to assessing the socio-economic situation, it is necessary to analyze the current state of environmental performance in all parts of the food system (not only in agricultural production), through constant monitoring, finding opportunities to reduce impact and affirming all stakeholders to recognize their roles in achieving SDG goals [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…One of the models that combines the two mentioned concepts is the Quality Function Deployment for Environment (QFDE) method, developed by Masui et al [ 15 ], which refers to product planning while respecting environmental requirements [ 16 ]. Regardless of the fact that environmental sustainability strategies in the production of table eggs will have different imperatives in developing countries and highly developed countries, they certainly all face similar problems on the way to achieving targets associated with the UN SDGs [ 6 ]. For these reasons, the modern table egg industry needs to pay more attention to understanding and managing all processes and activities along the entire supply chain, from farm to household, to ensure sustainable development and respond to market demands.…”