What is the goal of the Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership?
To strengthen food safety, food security, environmental sustainability and economic stability worldwide.
Why is food systems leadership needed?
To ensure the continuity of the global supply chain and improve risk management standards and policies across the globe.
How will leadership be fostered?
Through professional development, experiential education and mentoring offered through a global consortium of universities collaborating with industry and governments and international organizations.
What types of programs will be used to train emerging leaders?
- Intensive short courses for government officials, industry leaders, and academic professionals
- experiential learning in public policy, including developmental assignments
- Post-doctoral fellowships and externships for graduate and professional students
- Global executive development programs
What types of programs are being launched in 2008?
- Two short courses on International Animal Health and Food Systems Policy:
•A “Farm-to-Table” Study Tour in the Netherlands
•“Engaging Intergovernmental Organizations” (OIE, WTO, WHO, FAO)
- A course entitled “Globalization and Health: Challenges and Perspectives” as part of a one-week Public Health Institute in Iceland
- A workshop in Global Food Safety System Leadership as part of the University of Minnesota Public Health Institute
- The First International Meeting on Food Control Research led by the University of Helsinki
- A two week "International Food Safety Administration and Technical Exchange Program” for 25 senior Chinese food safety officials
- An international working group of leaders from government, industry and non-profit organizations to identify scalable strategies for leadership development
What will GIFSL prepare participants to do?
- Share best practices related to creating and enhancing food systems
- Accelerate collaborations across boundaries and sectors to engage industry, government, and international organizations
- Strengthen public-private partnerships for global food security
- Promote national capacity building for developing and developed countries and international organizations
How will success be measured?
The ultimate measure of success is greater food security worldwide, with abundant, affordable, nutritious and safe food produced through sustainable agricultural that supports stable local and national economies.
What academic partners are currently active in the global consortium?
- University of Helsinki, Finland
- Washington State University, USA
- National University of Uruguay, Uruguay
- University of Minnesota, USA
Is this global consortium open to additional academic partners?
Yes. Additional partnerships are being discussed with universities in Asia and Africa. Our goal is to achieve broad geographic coverage.
Who is currently funding this Initiative?
- Major programmatic support from General Mills Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, SSAFE and the University of Minnesota
- An Endowed Chair for Global Food Systems Leadership established in 2007 with matching donations from the University of Minnesota and Cargill, Inc.
Are there other supporters of this Initiative?
- Yes. Internationally recognized leaders have volunteered to support the program development and serve as instructors and mentors.
- Programmatic support (including in-kind resources) has been provided by FAO, OIE, WHO, and WTO, as well as global food companies such as Hormel and the Vion Food Group.
- National governments including France, the Netherlands and the United States have also supported some of our programs, including sponsoring the Food Control Research Meeting by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Is the Global Initiative open to additional partners and collaborators?orators?
Yes. Gifts, sponsorships, and in-kind support are critically important for the expansion of GIFSL initiatives and support of program development through all consortium partners.