Canadian groups set out their ambitions for the UN Food Summit.Ottawa—A cross section of the Canadian agrifood sector has joined together in a statement calling the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) a critical dialogue for ensuring the future of sustainable food systems and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.The 13 organizations that signed the statement represent farmers, processors and input suppliers who want to “play an important role in shaping the future of our national and global food systems and advancing global goals.”The Summit, which began Sept. 23 at the UN, gave the organizations “the opportunity to reflect and celebrate our shared advancements and achievements in sustainability, innovation, and the production of safe and nutritious food. We are proud to be feeding Canada and the world, and we recognize that continual advances are critical to creating a more sustainable future and one that Canada will play a leadership role in.”The Summit will enable the food industry from around the world to work together to chart an inclusive, multi-stakeholder and systems approach for the future of food, the statement said.The global food supply system took a big hit from the pandemic and the Summit aims to position sustainable food systems as a key part of restoring national economies. The Canadian position says through science, effective policy and programs, governance, and application of best management practices, farmers, input providers and food and beverage producers will be able to advance safe, secure, nutritious and sustainable food systems.The groups supporting the Canadian positions are the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Canola Growers Association, the National Cattle Feeders Association, Chicken Farmers of Canada, the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, Seeds Canada, CropLife Canada, Fertilizer Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, and Egg Farmers of CanadaTheir statement identified the following paths to a sustainable food production future:Climate smart solutions to tackle mitigation, adaptation and resiliency;Supporting the next generation of farmers through mentorships and new entrant programs, and making it easier for young farmers to invest in their future;Reducing food loss and waste through investing in and providing innovative solutions for the future;Sustainable agriculture and production practices that enhance our environmental contributions while ensuring farmers remain profitable;Collaborative approaches to continually improve the Canadian food system;Resilient food systems that can withstand external shocks such as COVID-19 and extreme weather events;Safe and affordable food that will lead to zero hunger and food security for all;Innovation as a lever of transformative change needed to realize a resilient and accessible food system;Diverse food that recognize the true value of food.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.