Micronutrient deficiency, also known as "hidden hunger, is a serious problem. A recently published article estimates that approximately 1 in 2 preschool-aged children and 2 in 3 non-pregnant women of reproductive age worldwide suffer from at least one type of micronutrient deficiency.

Tomorrow, October 15, is "Mushroom Day" in Japan. A research project of JIRCAS aims to conserve forests in the Philippines and other tropical islands by increasing their value through the combined cultivation of non-wood forest products such as mushrooms, fruit trees, and valuable tree species in mountain areas where forests have been cut down and soil erosion has occurred.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released on October 7 the global Food Price Index for September 2022, averaging 136.3 points, 1.1 percent lower than in August and the sixth consecutive month of decline since March, when the price hit an all-time high. Tomorrow, October 13, a side event of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2022, "Creating Sustainable Food Systems in Asia Monsoon Region through Science and Innovation" will be held online. Registration is open until 5 pm today.

Extreme typhoons and cyclones were reported in many parts of the globe. Typhoon No. 14 hit Japan in mid-September, Hurricane Ian hit Cuba and Florida at the end of September, and Typhoon Noru caused damage in the Philippines and Vietnam. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme events. In addition to expanding early warning systems, climate change adaptation and mitigation measures must be taken.

In Japan, many food price increases have been reported this October. Looking around the world, food and fertilizer prices are still at historically high levels due to climate shocks, armed conflicts and pandemics at the regional level, as well as the war in Ukraine, which has worsened production and distribution conditions. According to a note released by the IMF at the end of September, food and fertilizer price shocks have had the greatest impact on 48 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and West Asia, mainly due to additional import costs.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions have released the Breakthrough Agenda Report 2022, highlighting the importance of strengthening international cooperation to drive faster reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.

September 29 is the “International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste” as designated by the United Nations. Let's take action to reduce food loss for people and the planet.

On September 21, heads of international organizations issued a joint statement in response to the global food security crisis for the second time since July, calling for comprehensive international coordination to support efficient production and trade, improve transparency, accelerate innovation, and invest in food systems transformation. In order to transform the food system for the health of the planet and humankind, it is first necessary to understand the current state of the food system. A paper published this month in Nature Food attempts to visualize the challenges by classifying the world's countries into food system typology.

Exactly one year ago, on September 23, 2021, the United Nations Food Systems Summit was held. One year later, in the wake of events such as concerns about rising world food prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, soaring fertilizer prices, and frequent extreme weather events, the need to build a sustainable and resilient food system is more important than ever.