Cigler King sees the future of agriculture and food as a link between traditional and new

On World Food Day, Slovenia's agricultural sector faces challenges highlighted by officials and industry representatives. Kmetijski minister Janez Cigler Kralj emphasized the importance of connecting tradition, knowledge, and innovation for the future of Slovenian agriculture and food security. He stressed the need for collaboration and responsible handling of food, with priorities including strengthening self-sufficiency and developing short supply chains. The theme of this year’s World Food Day, “Innovation today. Food for tomorrow,” underscores the role of innovation in ensuring sufficient food for all. The Ministry of Agriculture recognizes digitalization, technological advancement, and knowledge transfer as crucial drivers for the entire agri-food chain, from production and processing to storage, distribution, and consumption. Key to this process is linking farmers, food processors, research institutions, and advisory services to accelerate knowledge transfer into practice and increase the added value of domestic products. According to the ministry, new technologies, digital tools, and modern business models can significantly contribute to more efficient food production, better adaptation to climate change, and increased competitiveness of farms. However, cooperation among stakeholders, linking producers, and responsible food handling are equally vital. Cigler Kralj noted that digitalization itself is not a goal but a means to put people at the center, thereby supporting higher quality of life in rural areas. Among the ministry’s main priorities are enhancing food safety, increasing self-sufficiency through high-quality Slovenian food, developing short supply chains, encouraging producer connections, and incorporating more locally produced food into public institutions. A significant part of financial support for these goals comes from the Strategic Plan for Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, which aims to modernize Slovenian farms, increase productivity, technological development, digitalization, and adaptability to climate change. These investments aim primarily to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises, reduce costs, and achieve more efficient and resilient food production. The ministry also highlights the prevention of food loss and waste throughout the food chain. It emphasizes that food is not a given but the result of the knowledge and work of farmers, fishers, processors, and other stakeholders. Responsible food handling respects their efforts, preserves natural resources, reduces environmental burdens, and strengthens food security. At the beginning of the month, the ministry submitted a draft proposal for amending the Food Act for one-month public consultation. According to the authorities, the proposed changes would improve aspects such as quality schemes, labeling of food products, reducing food loss and waste, and public procurement of food. The amendments aim to strengthen the food chain, increase recognition of high-quality Slovenian products, encourage higher animal welfare standards, and create better conditions for incorporating locally produced and seasonal food into public institutions. Representatives from the Association of Agricultural and Food Companies within the Slovenian Business Council (GZS) also emphasized the importance of agricultural and food companies during World Food Day. They warned that only long-term investments will allow maintaining competitive food production in Slovenia. The association called for systematic support for research and development, investments in processing plants, energy-efficient technologies, circular solutions, digitalization, and workforce development. Agricultural and food companies face numerous challenges, according to the association. They pointed out that the current situation requires addressing issues related to sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in the food system. Civil society representatives urged the establishment of a more sustainable food system that respects environmental limits, ensures access to quality food, and enables fair relationships between producers, workers, consumers, and communities. They believe the solution lies not just in producing more food but in creating more resilient, equitable, and inclusive food systems, where innovations, both technological and social, are essential. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs noted that while progress has been made in reducing world hunger, it remains fragile amid growing global challenges. The latest United Nations report on the state of food security and nutrition in the world indicates a decline in global undernourishment for the third consecutive year, but this progress is uneven and precarious. War in the Middle East, increasingly frequent and intense climate extremes, and drastic reductions in official development assistance and humanitarian funding seriously threaten past achievements. Last year, 645 million people suffered from hunger, nearly eight percent of the world population, with Africa becoming the region with the highest absolute burden of hunger for the first time.