The Role of the Veterinary Profession in National and Global Food Sustainability

The COVID pandemic presented an opportunity to emphasize the value of veterinary medicine and integrate it into international initiatives through organizations like the UN. Addressing issues such as food security, global health, and climate change should be the driving force behind these efforts. In order to achieve this, public and animal health agencies, professional veterinary associations, and others need to advocate for public services and public health sectors alongside companion animal medicine. Direct engagement with government agencies may be necessary, and encouraging cooperatives to expand job opportunities for veterinarians will enable them to better serve the community at large. Additionally, accreditation standards should require veterinarians to have a foundational understanding of animal production systems to support policy development.