Research
During the proof-of-concept phase, international researchers will examine and test basic assumptions of Codex Planetarius, exploring its implications in varied contexts. This research, to be published in 2024 and 2025, will focus on a range of key topics . Findings will be presented for peer review and subsequently, a one-month public comment period. The research findings and integrated comments and feedback will then be placed in the public domain.
Seabed sediment cores are collected to assess carbon sequestration rates. Tenedos / iStock
Research Objectives
Our research is focused on improving understanding of Codex Planetarius, building support and consensus for the concept and addressing these guiding questions.
- What are the 6-8 key impacts to be addressed and how will each be measured?
- Where and how will a performance standard be established for food and soft commodity exports? Which systems exist, which need to be created, and what will it cost?
- What commodities will most likely be included initially and why? Which might be added over time?
- What have we learned about private and public voluntary standards and standards-holding bodies that can be applied to Codex Planetarius?
- What are the likely impacts of Codex Planetarius on producer income, domestic prices when product is not available for export, export prices and global consumer food prices, and global food security?
- What can pilots looking at difference types of products, producers, and countries tell us about the state of metrics and systems in different countries, their costs, and the impacts in both producing countries and importing countries that are more dependent on food imports?
Codex Planetarius: Reducing Key Environmental Impacts of Producing Globally Traded Food
An introduction to the Codex Planetarius concept, this white paper explores the historical and market contexts in which Codex Planetarius arose, including the complexities of food commodity production, the need for global standards, and Codex Alimentarius’ precedent. It concludes by laying out requisite conditions and primary developmental phases for Codex Planetarius’s development.
Download PDFCodex Planetarius Research
Key Impacts, Metrics, and Minimum Performance Standards for Aquaculture Production
Claude E. Boyd, PhD
Aquaculture is a significant source of animal protein for human consumption, but it comes with environmental concerns. Dr. Claude E. Boyd, Professor Emeritus at Auburn University, provides an overview of aquaculture production, the negative environmental impacts of aquaculture, and proposed standards to limit aquaculture’s major impacts.
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Lessons Learned from Voluntary Standards and Certification Programs
Patrick Mallet
Voluntary standards and certification programs have operated in the global economy for over 30 years. Patrick Mallet, Director of Innovations at ISEAL Alliance, explores 15 critical factors contributing to the effectiveness of these programs, assesses implications for a mandatory regulatory instrument, and puts forth considerations for the design of Codex Planetarius.
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Mycorrhizal Fungi as Indicators of Soil Health
Toby Kiers, PhD, et. al.
Soil health in agroecosystems has become a major focus for sustainability efforts in recent years. However, it has been difficult to define a soil health indicator that intersects multiple variables. E. Toby Kiers of the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment and colleagues explore whether arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi might serve as effective bioindicators and discuss the challenges of deploying quantification techniques at scale.
Download PDFExperts
Researchers, academics, and subject-matter experts from around the world are helping to investigate and analyze the Codex Planetarius concept and its potential impacts. Our Expert gallery will expand as new research is published.
Dr. Jason Clay
Executive Director, The Markets Institute at WWF / Senior Vice President, Markets at WWF
Dr. Jason Clay
Jason leads the work of WWF-US on Markets and how companies manage supply chains. He also heads the Markets Institute whose goal is to identify and create awareness about global food issues, while anticipating emerging challenges.
Claude E. Boyd
Professor Emeritus at Auburn University
Claude E. Boyd
Claude’s work focuses on the environmental impacts of aquaculture. He has been involved in many efforts to prevent negative environmental impacts by improving resource management practices.
Patrick Mallet
Director, Innovations at ISEAL Alliance
Patrick Mallet
Patrick leads ISEAL’s efforts to understand how sustainability standards must evolve to meet evolving stakeholder expectations. He has extensive business development experience, particularly among civic and social organizations.
Current Research
During the proof-of-concept phase, we will focus on the following research topics:
Preliminary Research: Background Information
- Initial Assumptions About the Role, Scope and Strategy for Codex Planetarius
- Lessons Learned from Codex Alimentarius
- Key, Overarching Trade Issues and Their Implications
Subsequent Research: Assessing the Need for Codex Planetarius in Different Contexts
- Codex Planetarius and the Business Case for Companies
- Government Subsidies and Support Programs
- WTO Issues and Implications for Developing Codex Planetarius
- Assess the Likely Impacts of Codex Planetarius on Livelihoods and Local Markets in Exporting Countries
- Codex Planetarius in the Context of Global Treaties, Trade Agreements and Other International Mechanisms Governing Resource Use and Trade
- How Will Codex Planetarius Adapt or Improve Standards, Add New Standards or Commodities, and Anticipate Change?
- The Potential Impact of Codex Planetarius Standards on the Global Food System
Final Research: Design and Implementation Considerations
- Pilot Studies
- Codex Planetarius: Make or Buy Considerations
- Codex Planetarius: Key Structure and Governance Considerations