Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury from the Ontario Agricultural College emphasizes the need for an agri-food research platform to tackle misinformation affecting climate change and sustainable food systems.
Information can be politicized, leading to challenges in developing inclusive and resilient food systems. The term 'information disorder' encompasses all forms of misleading information spread through social media, impacting public perception and decision-making.
Recent advancements in gene editing and climate change have made the agri-food sector particularly vulnerable to misinformation on topics such as nutrition and sustainable practices. This misinformation is exacerbated by social media and traditional media outlets, which often contribute to spreading false narratives.
In Sri Lanka, for example, a misleading organic farming policy resulted from misinformation, while Canadian stakeholders are facing similar challenges due to digital development.
Chowdhury's research aims to raise awareness about agri-food misinformation among scientists, policymakers, and the public. Initiatives include webinars, a curated literature database, and training resources for professionals in the field.
The platform will also explore the responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT to mitigate misinformation risks and enhance the quality of information available.
This initiative is crucial for fostering innovation and sustainable practices in the agri-food sector worldwide.