Transformation paths for agri-food systems to achieve carbon neutrality

Transformation paths for agri-food systems to achieve carbon neutrality The national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is aimed at all sectors of activity, including agriculture and agri-food systems. This article is the result of a round table discussion with four panellists (ADEME, Chambre d'Agriculture, Coopération agricole, research in economics), who gave their vision of the scale of the transitions to be made, the difficulties and the resources that should be mobilised. The debate highlighted the need to rely on technological innovations, as well as organisational and societal innovations. Coherent public policies encouraging changes in practices that are compatible with the economic vitality of the agricultural sector are expected. This decarbonisation trajectory requires the involvement of all players, including citizen-consumers, who are being encouraged to change their food diet for environmental and health reasons. This is a systemic issue, with regional implications. In addition to energy and food security, it must also consider the 'one health' concept as a key lever for an integrated approach to the food system and its sustainability, also enabling an improved capacity to anticipate crises. Decarbonisation trends in the agricultural sector are still limited, but they do exist. Communicating positively about this trajectory of change as a source of opportunities is a key message to better disseminate and rely on.