A Food System Optimization Model Based on NUFER-AGD

The global food system has already been under multiple threats even before the outbreak of the COVID-19, and the epidemic last year has made it even more vulnerable. Therefore, it’s never been so important to examine and re-optimize our current food system comprehensively nowadays. In this paper, we established a statistical model termed as NUFER-AGD, which use NUFER model as core model, coupling soil, water and air emissions sub-models to depict the interaction between food system and environment. We reoptimized the current food system from three aspects based on our model: At the upstream of food chain, we must respect the nature, and focus on technological innovation to increase yields and diversity; In the middle of food chain, we should establish a sound infrastructure for food storage and transport, and establish flexible and mobile global and regional food reserves to guarantee the smooth operation of international trade activities; At the downstream of food chain, we need to improve the social security system so that the food system could cover more poor regions. Besides, we are ought to adjust our diets and reduce food waste and loss. By doing so, we could observe a significant increase in the recoverability and fairness index calculated by our model. And finally we can achieve a food system that is highly productive, low-carbon, resilient, sustainable and inclusive.