U of G professor joins UN food security expert panel

By Jean-Paul McDonald
Farms.com

The global fight for food security has a new champion. Dr. Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute and a geography professor at the University of Guelph, has been appointed to the UN's High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). 

This panel, under the United Nations Committee on World Food Security (CFS), is the pinnacle body for assessing global food security science. Its job is to give advice based on solid evidence. To achieve this, the panel is backed by 15 globally acknowledged scientists from diverse fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the issue. 

Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Fraser said, “In these turbulent times for food systems, it's a privilege to contribute internationally for creating resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems.” 

Since 2017, Dr. Fraser has helmed the Arrell Food Institute (AFI), established through the Arrell Family Foundation's philanthropy. His research on food and sustainability has made him one of Canada's most referenced social scientists. Beyond his academic achievements, Fraser has co-authored books on food security and been a consistent voice in the media. 

The President of U of G, Dr. Charlotte Yates, lauded this appointment, saying it's a testament to Fraser's global contributions to food security. “Our Arrell Food Institute," she mentioned, “has been monumental in addressing global food challenges sustainably." 

AFI’s mission resonates with this, aiming to refine global food systems. They harness agricultural expertise, modern technology, environmental research, and community participation to devise sustainable feeding strategies for the ever-growing global populace.  

Dr. Fraser's leadership also extends to the Food from Thought initiative, focusing on leveraging big data to minimize agriculture’s environmental impacts. 

Having held the title of the Canada Research Chair in Global Food Security for a decade, Dr. Fraser's accolades also include affiliations with the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. 

Recognizing his prowess, Guelph's Parliament minister, Lloyd Longfield, said, “Dr. Fraser's insights will be invaluable in addressing global food challenges." 

It's noteworthy that members of the HLPE-FSN Steering Committee contribute individually, not representing any institution. Their tenure lasts two years, with selection rooted in scientific excellence. 

The committee’s inaugural meeting is slated for November in Rome.