Library | ESG issues

Food Systems

Food systems encompass all processes and activities involved in producing, processing, distributing, and consuming food. They have a significant impact on population health and the environment, with key challenges including food security, food waste, nutrition-related diseases, and environmental degradation. Investors can assess companies based on factors such as sustainable sourcing, climate impact, sustainable farming practices, and regulatory compliance.

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Integrating Nature into Finance: Laying the foundations to expand the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to drive positive environmental outcomes in the agriculture and land sectors

Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI)
This report summarises how Australia’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy could be expanded to agriculture, forestry and land management, proposing draft criteria for biodiversity protection, sustainable water use, and pollution control. It aligns with global biodiversity goals to guide investment and lending that support nature-positive outcome.
Research
9 September 2025

Drawdown Explorer

Project Drawdown
Drawdown Explorer is an interactive platform that catalogues climate mitigation solutions, ranking them by their emissions impact, cost, and readiness.
Online tool/database

One Planet Network

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
One Planet Network is a global multi-stakeholder partnership advancing sustainable consumption and production (SCP). It implements the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) through six thematic programmes. The network acts as a knowledge hub and convenes governments, businesses, civil society and experts on SCP and SDG 12.
Organisation
1 research item

Disaster risk platform

United Nations Environment Programme
The UNEP/GRID-Geneva Disaster Risk Platform offers an interactive global interface for analysing exposure, vulnerability and hazard data. It aids evidence-based decision-making by mapping natural risks and socio-economic factors, supporting resilient development and risk-informed finance.
Online tool/database

Water footprint assessment tool

Water footprint network
The Water Footprint Assessment Tool is a free online application that enables businesses, governments, investors, NGOs and researchers to calculate and map green, blue and grey water footprints, assess sustainability, efficiency and equitable water use, and identify strategic actions to improve water management.
Online tool/database

Water footprint network

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Water Footprint Network is a non-profit, global collaboration platform advancing fair and smart freshwater use. It champions science-based water footprint assessment, offers open-access tools and data for businesses, governments and communities, and guides sustainable, equitable water governance to address water scarcity and pollution worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

Chatham House

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Chatham House, known formally as Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute in London. It delivers rigorous research, analysis and dialogue on global issues—such as international relations, climate change, security and economics. Its mission: help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.
Organisation

Unlocking the sustainable transition for agribusiness

United Nations Environment Programme
This report examines how entrenched political and market structures hinder agribusinesses from transitioning to sustainable models. It identifies three systemic “lock-ins” and outlines how policy reforms, financial incentives, and political commitment can unlock agribusiness potential to drive food system transformation at scale and pace.
Research
1 July 2025

GHG protocol agricultural guidance: Interpreting the corporate accounting and reporting standard for the agricultural sector

World Resources Institute
The GHG protocol agricultural guidance provides a framework for agricultural companies to develop greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories aligned with the Corporate Standard. It offers sector-specific methodologies to account for direct and indirect emissions, carbon stock changes, and unique agricultural factors such as land use change and biological processes. The guidance enhances consistency, transparency, and usability of agricultural GHG data for decision-making and reporting.
Research
26 May 2014

Opportunities for methane mitigation in agriculture: Technological, economic, and regulatory considerations

World Resources Institute
This report assesses cost-effective methods to reduce methane emissions from enteric fermentation, manure management, and rice cultivation. It outlines region-specific strategies and underscores the need for research, regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration to support implementation and scale-up of mitigation solutions.
Research
5 March 2025

University of Adelaide

Academic Institutions
The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is Australia's third-oldest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight. Ranked among the top 100 globally, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, the university is renowned for its research excellence and vibrant campus life.
Organisation
1 research item

The triple gap in finance for agrifood systems

Climate Policy Initiative
This report identifies significant planning, finance, and data gaps in climate investment needed to transition global agrifood systems. Annual climate finance must increase by at least 40 times to USD 1.1 trillion by 2030. Current national commitments underestimate actual requirements, highlighting the need for clearer targets and improved data collection.
Research
19 November 2024

Ceres' food emissions 50 company benchmark

Ceres
The Food Emissions 50 Company Benchmark evaluates major North American food companies on greenhouse gas emissions disclosures, reduction targets, and climate transition plans. It highlights progress in reporting scope 3 emissions and setting science-based targets, while identifying areas needing improvement, such as aligning growth strategies with emissions goals.
Benchmark/series

Climate risk and adaptation in global food

First Sentier Investors
The report outlines rising climate risks to global food supply chains, projecting up to $38 trillion in damages by 2050. It explores mitigation and adaptation strategies across crops, livestock, and fisheries, and highlights investor actions to build resilience, support sustainable practices, and adapt to shifting market, environmental, and regulatory conditions.
Research
10 April 2025

Accountability Framework

The Accountability Framework guides financial institutions on how to establish policies for responsible lending and investment in the food, agribusiness, and forestry sectors. It also helps financial institutions to screen and engage their clients and portfolios to fulfil these policies. It also assists with assessing environmental and social risk and performance in investment portfolios, and supports company engagement.
Online tool/database
29 February 2024

Leveraging food security and environmental sustainability in achieving Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from a global perspective

The study investigates the relationship between food security, environmental sustainability, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 63 countries from 2010–2021. Key findings highlight that promoting agricultural exports, sustainable farming, and reducing food imports positively impact economic growth and alleviate poverty. Environmental degradation negatively affects growth, affirming the need for green policies to achieve SDGs inclusively.
Research
12 September 2024
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