Agricultural and earth sciences, together with food security, constitute critical fields for sustainable global development. Despite substantial scientific and technological progress in recent decades, important research gaps remain. Addressing these gaps requires systematic, interdisciplinary, and context-sensitive approaches that integrate environmental, technological, economic, and social dimensions.
Safety, Resilience, and Sustainability of Agricultural Production Systems
Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the mechanisms that shape the resilience of agricultural production systems under conditions of climate change, environmental degradation, and increasing volatility in the global economy. Although considerable efforts have been made to develop climate-resilient crops and adaptive production practices, the effective implementation of such solutions remains limited, particularly in developing regions and resource-constrained agricultural systems. Further research is needed to examine how technological innovation, local knowledge, institutional capacity, and policy support can be integrated to enhance the sustainability and long-term stability of agricultural production.
Water Resource Management and Sustainability
Water resource management is one of the most critical challenges for agricultural development, especially in countries affected by water scarcity, drought, and high dependence on irrigation. Climate change is already contributing to substantial shifts in water availability, hydrological cycles, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Nevertheless, research and innovation in sustainable water management, precision irrigation, water-use efficiency, and integrated watershed governance remain insufficient in many regions. There is a clear need for applied research that supports the development of scalable, affordable, and environmentally sound water management practices.
Agricultural Technology and Biotechnology for Food Security
Research in agricultural technologies and biotechnology, including genetically improved crops, precision agriculture, digital farming tools, and advanced plant protection methods, continues to offer considerable potential for strengthening food security. However, in many parts of the world, the development, adoption, and regulation of these technologies remain uneven. At the same time, concerns persist regarding environmental risks, biodiversity impacts, ethical considerations, and socioeconomic inequalities linked to technological adoption. Future research should therefore focus not only on technological effectiveness, but also on risk assessment, governance frameworks, public acceptance, and equitable access to innovation.
Sustainable Food Supply Chains and the Functioning of the Agri-food Sector
The sustainability of food supply chains is increasingly challenged by resource scarcity, geopolitical instability, climate-related disruptions, and market volatility. A major research gap concerns the design of innovative solutions that can improve the resilience, efficiency, and environmental performance of agri-food systems under uncertain conditions. This requires stronger collaboration between academia, industry, public authorities, and farming communities. Particular emphasis should be placed on circular economy approaches, reduction of food loss and waste, digital traceability systems, sustainable logistics, and business models that support both economic viability and social responsibility across the agri-food value chain.