Agriculture and health go hand-in-hand

A new report released by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs calls on the agriculture and food sectors to play a role in mitigating the global rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Bringing Agriculture to the Table: How Agriculture and Food Policy can Play a Role in Preventing Chronic Disease (PDF), which was presented before this morning’s opening of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, identifies new opportunities for those in heath and agriculture to work together to promote better health. 





The report was prepared by Dr. Rachel Nugent, University of Washington and project chair for the Chicago Council. The project was guided by an advisory panel of noted agriculture and health experts from academia, private sector and international organizations.


Health solutions to prevent noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer and diabetes, have traditionally left out the agriculture and food sector. The report finds, however, that if the agriculture and food sector works more closely with the health sector, the rising prevalence of diet-related NCDs and early deaths can be reduced through better nutrition and healthier lifestyles. The report points out that the global food system has evolved over the past century to deliver a number of benefits—greater choice for consumers, greater nutritional diversity and lower cost. But, it asserts that agriculture must offer consumers a better mix of locally available, less-processed, and culturally appropriate items that constitute a healthy diet.