Munters calls for incentives and partnerships to transform the global food system
Dec 2, 2025
Transforming agriculture and food systems was high on the agenda at COP30, and for good reason. In a discussion hosted by We Don’t Have Time in Belem, with participants joining from Stockholm, panelists from Munters and the food industry called on policymakers to leverage digitalization and AI to accelerate the shift to a sustainable food system.
The food system is the world’s third-largest source of CO₂ emissions, yet it remains one of the least digitalized sectors. To stay within the 1.5°C climate target, it must reach net zero within 15 years. A monumental challenge, but also an opportunity.
“The food system is ground zero for climate,” said Owen Gaffney of the Exponential Roadmap Initiative. “AI is a disruptive technology. The question is: how do we direct this disruption to accelerate change?”
Why the food system matters
Food production is essential for survival, yet responsible for massive emissions and waste.
As Munters FoodTech President Pia Brantgärde Linder put it: “No single company can fix the food system alone. We need to work with growers, producers, technology providers, and research institutions. Collaboration is key.”
The role of technology
Munters has been pioneering data-driven optimization for over 30 years. Its platforms capture and analyze data across the supply chain, turning raw numbers into real-time decisions, from inside the farm to the boardroom.
“Our solutions improve animal welfare, reduce waste, and optimize resources like feed, water, and energy,” Pia explained.
But adoption is slow. “The food industry is one of the least digitalized sectors,” she noted.
Policy and pathways
Both Pia and Ricardo Santin, President of Brazil’s ABPA, called for clear rules and financial incentives.
“Farmers are ready for the transition,” Ricardo said. “But they need support to produce in a better way with a low-carbon footprint.”
Pia added: “We need an agreed pathway for the food system, similar to what happened in energy. Policymakers should incentivize investments in digital solutions and AI to accelerate change.”
What success looks like
The panel agreed that success means feeding a growing population without breaching planetary boundaries. It means efficiency without sacrificing animal welfare. And it means using AI not as a buzzword, but as a tool for resilience and sustainability.
"We cannot continue to produce food the way we have done it for decades,” Pia said. “The technology and capabilities exist to re-imagine the future of food systems together with our partners. We can do more with less, and we need to take action now."
