Global Food Systems Program

About the program

The Global Food Systems Program connects people around the world with Harvard to tackle one overarching question: How can we feed the world well? The program focuses on securing a stable, affordable supply of healthy food while reducing the environmental footprint of food production, processing, and distribution.

Based at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, the program bridges policy, science, business, and practice. It draws on Harvard’s extensive expertise, teaching, and convening power to explore new ideas, support real-world initiatives, and help leaders navigate the evolving global food system.

Ray Goldberg Fellowship in Global Food Systems

The fellowship is designed to help students engage with a wide range of researchers, research approaches, and/or nonprofit and private sector organizations early in their training—before they make their ultimate choice of a research or career topic. The deadline to submit applications for 2026 is Monday, March 23, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Key areas of focus

Red icon of a box truck delivering produce.

Agribusiness and the role of the private sector

Examining how companies influence food production and delivery, focusing on supply chains, market dynamics, corporate strategy, and innovations and their interactions with public policies.

Grey icon of plants growing out of a gear.

Policy, regulation, society

Examining how agricultural, trade, fiscal, and nutrition policies and laws shape food systems—and, in turn, how farming and fisheries impact regional economies, livelihoods, and community well-being.

Blue icon of the earth with weather indicators.

Climate, environment, and land use

Examines how climate, farming practices, and land use reshape food systems and seeks ways to cut emissions, protect resources, and boost resilience.

Health effects of diets

Explores links between diets and health and ways to make healthy diets accessible and affordable. Also examines the impact of policies, marketing, and education on eating habits.

Technology and innovation in food systems

Focuses on technologies transforming food systems—including on-farm tools, processing, logistics, data analytics, and AI—to boost productivity, resilience, and cut waste and emissions.

Program Affiliates

Faculty and fellows from across Harvard allow for strong interdisciplinary collaboration.

Meet our affiliates