Building Convergence: An Integrated Approach

The development of policies that advance an integrated health and agri-food strategy should begin with whole-of-government approaches that merge potentially conflicting policy domains. Such whole-of-government approaches must engage governments at multiple levels. However, the complexity of issues related to both health care and the agri-food sector dictate that a whole-of-government approach will not suffice.

The success of an integrated health and agri-food strategy will depend on action being taken at all levels of society, involving stakeholders from business, government, non-governmental organizations, and consumers.

The first step is to assemble networks of key public agencies, business, and civil society stakeholders. A separate network is required for each lever point. These networks would become the strategic units for innovation and action on the ground. Invited participant organizations must be willing to invest not only time and expertise, but also core competencies and financial and/or substantive resources to shape and implement the resulting action plan.

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