Agrifood Systems in An Era of Risk and Uncertainties: Data and Statistics as a Way To Guide us
hosted by Professor
Jessica Fanzo
Máximo Torero Cullen
Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
This presentation argues that in an era of increasing climate, economic and geopolitical risks, high-quality data, Earth Observation and artificial intelligence are transforming both agricultural statistics and farmer livelihoods. It shows how advances in satellite-based crop mapping, yield forecasting, drought monitoring and risk analysis can produce more timely, granular and actionable statistics for early warning and policymaking, while simultaneously reducing information asymmetries that prevent smallholders from accessing finance. The central message is that the same data infrastructure can strengthen resilience, improve food security decision-making and unlock investment by making farmers visible to financial institutions, thereby linking better statistics directly to better development outcomes
Máximo Torero Cullen
Mr Torero is Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, where he leads the organization's economic analysis and policy engagement to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems. His work focuses on strengthening shock resilience, advancing innovative financing mechanisms, improving access to healthy diets, and reinforcing global supply chains. He also serves as FAO's analytical voice in high-level forums, shaping the global dialogue on agrifood systems transformation. Before joining FAO, he was an Executive Director at the World Bank Group and led the International Food Policy Research Institute's Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division.
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