The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, home to half of the world's population and a large portion of global food production and consumption, is facing increasing pressure on its agri-food systems. Economic instability, constant supply chain disruptions, resource limitations, and the increase in extreme weather events are calling into question the ability of economies to maintain stable food supplies amid growing uncertainty.
Against this backdrop of challenges, a new set of principles was approved at the 11th APEC Food Security Ministerial Meeting in Hangzhou on Tuesday. These principles place innovation and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), at the center of efforts to create more resilient food systems in the region.
The principles call on economies to use scientific data to improve decision-making processes, strengthen early warning and response capabilities, and implement digital and new technologies across the entire agri-food chain—from production and processing to distribution.
This approach reflects a broader paradigm shift in the approach to ensuring food security. Instead of focusing solely on increasing production volumes, APEC economies are also considering how technology can help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions, manage resources more efficiently, and enhance the resilience of food supply chains against disruptions.
Eduardo Pedroza, Executive Secretary of the APEC Secretariat, noted that the region's countries are leveraging accumulated experience in adapting to changes affecting food production and supply. Pedroza emphasized that the primary goal of technologies such as biotechnology and precision agriculture is for farmers to benefit from these advancements. He also mentioned the practical application of blockchain technologies in agricultural payments and transactions.
The focus on food security through technology aligns with China's priorities as the host of APEC in 2026, where innovation and digitalization are cross-cutting themes across all areas. Discussions on agricultural technologies and digital innovations were also held at APEC meetings this year, including the third APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3) in Dalian earlier this month.
Ministers present at the meeting also adopted a joint statement emphasizing the need for continuous investment and innovation to improve the quality, productivity, and efficiency of food within the collective efforts to build more resilient agri-food systems in the Asia-Pacific region.