Editorial: Food System Transformation and the Realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Albie F. Miles^1*Brandy E. Phipps²Elliot Berry³

• ¹University of Hawaii–West Oahu, Kapolei, United States
• ²Central State University, Wilberforce, United States
• ³Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel

For more than a half-century, the international scientific community has increasingly recognized that global and regional agriculture and food systems (agri-food systems) are at a critical crossroads, confronting intersecting biophysical, socio-economic, and ethical challenges (Carson, 1962; Altieri, 1989; NRC, 1989; Harwood, 1990; Rockström et al., 2009; Gliessman, 2015; Springmann et al., 2018; HLPE, 2020; IPCC, 2022; Gallardo, 2024). These pressing issues include, but are not limited to significant greenhouse gas emissions and the impacts of anthropogenic climate destabilization (Porter et al., 2014; Clark et al., 2020; Miles & Hoy, 2023), agroecosystem and environmental degradation (Gliessman, 2021; Gallardo, 2024), unsustainable fossil energy use (Pimentel et al., 2005; Crippa et al., 2021), the loss of biological and cultural diversity (Swift & Anderson, 1993; Altieri 1999; Kremen & Miles, 2012), the dispossession and marginalization of indigenous peoples and their food ways (Malli et al., 2105), malnutrition and negative public health outcomes (Fanzo et al., 2022), the exposure of non-target organisms and human populations to high-risk agri-chemicals (Hayes et al., 2002; Hertz-Picciotto et al., 2018; Coleman et al., 2025), profound social inequalities (Alkon & Agyeman, 2011; Shostak, 2023), the exploitation, persecution, and systemic vulnerabilities imposed on human agri-food labor (Blackstone et al., 2023; Bhattacharjee, 2023), the commodification and unnecessary harm of sentient non-human animals (Stuart & Gunderson, 2020; Birch, 2024), and the longstanding inequities in quality food access at the state, regional, national, and international levels (Singleton et al., 2023; UNICEF 2023). In response to these converging agri-food issues and and crises, leading scientists, scientific bodies, NGOs, national governments, and international agencies have issued numerous calls for the fundamental transformation of global agri-food systems (Juri et al. 2024; Abdulai & Béné 2025) to address social and ecological externalities and promote sustainable human development (IAP, 2018; Willett et al., 2019; Webb, et al. 2020; OECD, 2022; FAO 2023; UNDP, 2023). The scientific literature cited herein identifies the interconnections between agriculture, food systems and a broad set of persistent social, economic, public health, ecological, and ethical challenges, which are directly or indirectly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This body of research makes clear the urgent need for food system change grounded in the principles of ecological sustainability, social equity, and the promotion of human wellbeing (Gliessman, 2000; Miles et al., 2017; Willett et al., 2019; Webb et al., 2020). Specifically, these calls to action seek to: strengthen the economic viability of regional agri-food systems in the face of agri-food globalization; improve public health outcomes through expanded access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate foods and dietary programs; promote social equity through Fair Trade, improved labor standards and other values-based supply chains; build resilience to natural and human-induced shocks across the agri-food sector; advance environmental sustainability through the scaling of agroecological, certified organic and related production practices; and ensure the widespread adoption of diets that promote human and planetary health (DeLonge et al., 2016; Reganold & Wachter, 2016; Eyhorn et al, 2019; Fanzo, 2019; Herrero, et al. 2021; Zurek et al., 2022). Numerous international science-policy consortia and related frameworks have explicitly and consistently pointed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015) as a unifying framework to guide, benchmark, and measure progress in addressing the social and ecological crises originating in, and propagated through, agri-food systems (IAP, 2018; Willett et al., 2019; Fanzo et al., 2021; Schneider et al., 2023). Given that agriculture and food systems influence 16 of the 17 UN SDGs, directly or indirectly, the transformation of the global food system is both urgent and essential to realizing these goals (Béné et al., 2019; HLPE, 2020; FAO, 2023). Agri-food systems are central to the achievement of the 17 SDGs and exert direct influence on key targets related to hunger, nutrition, social equity, sustainable use of land and water resources, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and climate change adaptation and mitigation (Fanzo et al., 2021; Schneider et al., 2023). For example, SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) explicitly call for sustainable agricultural production, food security, biodiversity conservation, and reductions in agricultural food loss and post-consumer waste (UN 2015; Herrero et al., 2021; Gliessman 2025). Further, it is through participation in both large and small markets, the agri-food sector plays a critical role in supporting rural income and livelihoods SDG 1 (Zero Poverty), in shaping public health and nutrition outcomes SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through its impacts the quantity, quality and access of freshwater. As a key driver of global GDP, the food and agriculture sector contributes to the realization of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through employment and overall economic growth. Agri-food systems also impact SDG 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) as they contribute to, and are shaped by, technological innovation and infrastructure development (UN 2015; Herrero, et al., 2021; Gliessman 2025). Urban agriculture and food systems can meaningfully contribute to advancing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through food production and greenspaces, while playing a significant role in climate change adaptation and mitigation SDG 13 (Climate Action) globally (Clinton et al., 2018; Valentini et al., 2019; Li et al., 2024). In addition, agri-food systems support progress on SDG 4 (Quality Education) through its impacts on human nutrition and learning. Transdisciplinary agroecology and sustainable food system education, in particular, plays an important role in supporting SDG 4 by fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices, food security, inequality, environmental stewardship and the structural obstacles and opportunities for realizing sustainability and equity goals aligned with multiple SDGs (Ebel et al., 2020; Bates et al., 2022). SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is advanced through agri-food systems through women's access to natural and capital resources, decision-making and accessibility to quality food for women and girls. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is promoted through safe and equitable agri-food labor conditions, inclusive market participation, quality food access and healthy diets. Participatory city, regional and state food system planning and governance serve to advance multiple SDGs simultaneously, including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) (Zougris et. al. 2025). National and international collaboration on agroecology and sustainable food system research and education, the promotion of equitable food trade and investment all promote SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and can accelerate progress toward the entire 2030 Agenda (European Commission 2020; UNDP 2023; Gliessman 2025). In total, agri-food systems influence at least 16 of the 17 SDGs, underscoring the need to center agri-food system change in policy and planning discourse around the realization of the UN SDGs, and for integrated approaches to food system research, planning, policy, investment, and monitoring that simultaneously address productivity, health, equity, economic viability, sustainability and resilience (FAO, n.d.; Juri et al., 2024; Gliessman 2025). Advancing these goals through agri-food system change will require the development of new initiatives and the social intellectual, economic and political infrastructure that fosters interdisciplinary and applied research, supports state and regional planning, advances policy integration, and enables evidence-based governance and scientific monitoring1 across scales (Feenstra, 2002; Elsner, et al., 2023; Miles and Hoy, 2023; Fanzo & Miachon, 2023; Gomes, et al., 2024). This Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems Research Topic explores the role of food system transformation in realizing the UN SDGs, highlighting innovations, case studies, challenges, and strategies from diverse global contexts. The following 29 articles are organized thematically to underscore their key contributions to both knowledge and practice. They provide a world-wide coverage of key topics, with contributions coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, Oceania, and the Middle East. 1. Food Waste, Diet & Consumption Patterns: Al Khatib et al. (2024) present a cross-sectional study of food waste in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, revealing excessive household food loss driven by cultural practices and lack of awareness, with implications for national SDG 12 goals. An, Eck, & Choi (2024) assess awareness, with implications for national SDG 12 goals. An, Eck, & Choi (2024) assess perceived risks and risk reduction behaviors in seafood consumption in Korea, identifying key health concerns and behavior modifications that shape consumer choices. Wyma & Niesing (2024) examine how dietary shifts in healthcare systems in choices. Wyma & Niesing (2024) examine how dietary shifts in healthcare systems in the US, Austria and Taiwan reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions and offer health co-benefits. 2. Public Health, Nutrition & Gender Equity: Goh et al. (2024) conduct a transdisciplinary research project examining global food environments and their effect on diet-related health outcomes, emphasizing the role of policy, infrastructure, and education in shaping sustainable and healthy diets. Adam et policy, infrastructure, and education in shaping sustainable and healthy diets. Adam et al. (2024) evaluate gender equity in aquatic food systems globally through a sustainable food systems lens, revealing institutional blind spots and a range of strategies to empower women. Dubey et al. (2025) highlight lessons from Odisha, strategies to empower women. Dubey et al. (2025) highlight lessons from Odisha, India, where community-based aquaculture initiatives enhance nutrition and women's empowerment through the co-management of natural resources. 3. Food System Planning, Digital Infrastructure & Agri-Food Governance: Zougris, et al. (2025) finds strong support among U.S. food planning practitioners for a formalized National Community of Practice (NCoP) built around shared governance, trust-based collaboration, and alignment with the UN SDGs. Hyink et al. (2024) examine how measuring factors beyond financial resources, such as food access and sovereignty, can provide a more comprehensive understanding of food insecurity and contribute to achieving the UN SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Han, J., Ge, W., & Chou, Y. (2024). Leveraging digital infrastructure for sustainable grain production: evidence from China illustrates how digital tools can enhance food productivity and resilience. Del Valle, M., Shields, K., & Boza, S. (2024) provides a comprehensive analysis of public food security programs in Chile and cross-country lessons for policy alignment to address food security challenges effectively. 4. Agroecology, Ecosystem Services, Climate Adaptation & Mitigation: Ansari et al., (2024) evaluate the potential of climate-resilient agricultural practices in India to sequester atmospheric carbon under different climate and land-use scenarios using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services Tool (InVEST) tool. Kwapong et al. (2024) use a mixed-methods approach to examine climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in Ghana, finding that while adoption is motivated by food security, income, and climate concerns, farmers prefer low-cost, low-labor practices suited to local contexts, exposing a mismatch with funder-driven strategies and interventions. Aryee, Sardinha, & Branquinho, (2024) provides a conceptual framework to understand the interconnections between food insecurity and ecosystem services in Africa. To counter agricultural land degradation, water scarcity, and population growth, Mashatleh et al., (2024) explore the role of bacterial biofertilizers as a means to increase both crop yield and ecological sustainability of farming systems in the kingdom of Jordan. Johansson Martin & Mapunda (2024) assess the climate vulnerability of agroecological and conventional smallholders in Mvomero district, Tanzania. 5. Agriculture and the Conservation of Heritage Landscapes: Medina Hidalgo et al., (2024) explore the sugarcane industry in Fiji, balancing cultural identity with adaptation to climate and economic stressors. Du, Xu, & Lin (2024) explore ecological compensation strategies for conserving agricultural heritage, focusing on the mountainous Juglans hopeiensis planting system in Beijing, China. 6. Industrial Development, Technological Innovation, Trade & Land Use: Yusheng et al., (2023) uses provincial data (2006–2021) to show that government-led improvements in farmland infrastructure and quality significantly increases farmer income, highlighting farmland improvements as being key to rural income growth and enhancing food security in China. Huang & Fu (2023) examined the factors that affect the willingness of farmers in Henan Province of Central China to engage in traceability systems - monitoring agricultural products from farm to point of sale - to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices. Zhu et al., (2023) assess land-use conflicts in Yancheng City, China, calling for multifunctional land management strategies to address food insecurity and realize SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Yan et al. (2024) conduct a systematic literature review on eco-product value realization and rural revitalization, exploring their potential for karst desertification control, with insights spanning from 1997 to 2023. Ajaj et al., (2024) highlights how Industry 4.0 technologies - artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics - can revolutionize food and agriculture and contribute to the realization of SDG 1: No Poverty by improving productivity, sustainability, and food security, with a focus on empowering vulnerable populations in Africa. 7. System Indicators & Frameworks: Shon & Miles (2025) prioritizes key food security indicators and metrics for the US state of Hawaii, highlighting replicable methodologies for context-sensitive SDG indicator and metric design. Yuting & Meng (2024) present a food security indicator system for China with integrative tracking mechanisms, showing that while food security improved from 1961–2019, challenges such as low urban wages before 2015, rapid population growth thereafter, and declining dietary diversity remain major threats, underscoring the need for targeted policies. Wei et al., (2024) shows that China's food security improved from 1980-2017, with mostly stable supply–demand balance supported by government policies, though occasional shortages arose influenced by climate variability, natural disasters, and land use changes. 8. Social Innovation & Community Resilience: Dejene et al. (2024) examine subjective resilience among women and youth in social innovation projects in five Ethiopian regions. De Vries et al., (2024) present a study of 52 European food system cases highlights the role of inclusive partnerships, including private sector actors, smallholders, and academics, in co-creating sustainable value, identifying public and civil society actors as key to scaling interactions. Nzima et al (2024) examines the diversity within smallholder vegetable farming systems in Malawi and how variations affect food security and income, offering important insights into achieving food system resilience. To address hunger and increase resilience throughout the food system, Soma et al., (2024) investigate whether the protein from spirulina, a nutrient-rich, blue-green algae, is a suitable alternative to fish meal protein normally fed for juvenile Nile tilapia in aquaculture systems. This Frontiers in Sustainable Food System Research Topic contributes to the scientific and applied foundations for advancing the UN SDGs through food system change at the regional, national and international levels. Collectively, the studies collected here emphasize that meaningful transformation requires agroecological and technological innovation, participatory governance, the development of new social infrastructure, context-specific measurement tools, social innovation, and sustained investment from both the public and private sectors. Taken together, we hope this Research Topic will help guide and inspire food system transformations toward the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.