​​​​Members of the International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD) convened their XXIII meeting June 28 and 29, 2021. The meeting occurred as the United Nations is convening a Food Systems Summit; consumers and companies are increasingly placing emphasis on climate impacts and the environment; and governments are considering how best to nourish a growing world population while improving agricultural sustainability. IOPD members adopted the following declaration:

In line with this, there is a shared concern regarding the insufficient representation of farmers' views within the context of the upcoming Food Systems Summit. Moreover, while the Summit calls for a "transformation" of food systems, it should also consider that many countries which represent a great share of global food suppliers already implement sustainable production systems.

Demand for vegetable oils and oilseed products continues to be strong and oilseed producers are well positioned to be vital partners in global food security and the fight to address climate change. Vegetable oils and protein meals provide a nutrient dense food source for humans and animals and are a readily available, renewable, climate-smart alternative to fossil fuels. IOPD members are committed to growing sustainable crops in harmony with the environment and our communities, while also ensuring family farms remain economically viable for current and future generations.

To maximize our contributions and to ensure... (read more)