Bringing agriculture to the table: How agriculture and food policy can play a role in preventing chronic disease ?

This report finds that if the agriculture and food sector works more closely with the health sector, the rising prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can be reduced through better nutrition. The health sector alone cannot prevent all the premature deaths and chronic illnesses, and the poor of the world are the most vulnerable. The report asserts that agriculture must offer consumers a better mix of locally available, less-processed, and culturally appropriate items. The report calls on the agriculture and food sectors to play a larger role in addressing increasing rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) around the world. It highlights the need for more integrated partnerships between the health, food, and agricultural sectors to combat NCDs.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs - September 2011