1
Engage farmers, rural workers, local groups and community leaders in adopting new technologies and in-
6 Shift towards climate-smart agricultural practices in
novations, so that the rights, culture and interests of local people drive agricultural innovation. 33
quality, as well as helping to conserve biodiversity and combating climate change. 37
order to reap long-term benefits in air, water, and soil
2 Wherever possible, implement water-saving tech-
7
niques that can help increase crop yields, such as drip irrigation, irrigation scheduling, composting and mulching, and rotational grazing for livestock. 34
3
4
Be transparent with your sustainability efforts and honest about shortcomings. According to a recent study, 65% of consumers want to know more about where their food comes from, but only 31% believe food companies are transparent about food production practices. 35
Support small-scale farmers - who typically face market barriers due to physical dispersion, fragmentation, high transaction costs and poor access to infrastructure - to form cooperatives and improve their development opportunities while becoming more empowered in the larger social, economic and political processes that impact their business and livelihoods. 38
8 Companies that embrace, support, and invest in envi-
ronmentally sustainable solutions will have a competitive advantage in the future. 39 Rather than fighting new standards and stricter regulations, get ahead of the game by pre-empting these changes and developing innovations that move the industry forward.
Seek out technological innovations that help reduce the food loss that occurs early on in the value chain, particularly in developing countries.
5 Work with governments and the private sector to-
9 Use thinner packaging materials and/or smaller
wards more efficient and sustainable farming practices, for example via energy-efficient equipment and buildings to reduce agricultural GHG emissions. 36
packages to save significant money, and reduce the amount of waste generated during packaging.
FIGURE 2
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY RISK AND READINESS MATRIX 40
Low
Food Producers Oli & Gas Beverages
READINESS
Telecommunications & Internet Automobiles
Chemicals Marine Transportation
Airlines Mining & Metals Electricity
High Low
RISK
19
High
EAT IN SUSTAINIA
  What You Can Do: