Harnessing Digitalisation to Promote Equitable and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Policy and Investment Priorities for the G20

Digitalisation promises to positively transform agriculture and food systems globally. However, its diffusion differs widely among the G20 countries. Adoption is hindered by a persistent digital divide related to digital skills and infrastructure, a highly heterogeneous sector that requires locally adapted solutions, and knowledge deficits about the benefits and risks of digital solutions. The hurdles are particularly high for small- scale producers who often do not have the required financial, technological, or digital capacities to take advantage of digital opportunities. The G20 can play a key role by encouraging and supporting their governments, in collaboration with other actors, to (1) commit to coordinated policyactionforstandard-setting,quality control, and data protection; (2) build digital capacities, in particular, among small-scale producers; (3) improve access to and the uptake of digital solutions in agriculture; and (4) invest in ecosystems to stimulate innovation and scaling of digital agriculture solutions.a