The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), Dr. Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo, S.P., M.Ec., held discussions with officials of the North Sumatra Provincial Food Security, Food Crops and Horticulture Agency regarding opportunities for collaboration to strengthen food security in North Sumatra. The meeting provided a platform for exchanging perspectives and connecting the academic capacity of the university with regional food development needs.
The discussion focused on strengthening synergy between FP USU and the provincial government. Through this collaboration, the faculty's expertise and research findings are expected to support the development of food security programs that align with regional potential and community needs.
Food security requires an approach that encompasses food availability, affordability, utilization, and supply stability. In this context, cooperation between higher education institutions and local government plays an important role in connecting scientific studies with practical experience in program implementation.
FP USU can contribute through education, research, and community service. The faculty's multidisciplinary expertise can support the study of food-related issues, the development of agricultural innovations, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations. Meanwhile, information about regional needs and challenges can help direct academic contributions toward more relevant and practical applications.
The discussion marked a step toward strengthening communication and identifying areas for cooperation between the two parties. Sustained synergy is expected to encourage the utilization of research findings in program planning and deliver tangible benefits to farmers and communities across North Sumatra.
FP USU's participation in this meeting reflects the role of higher education institutions as partners of local government in developing the food sector. By connecting academic expertise with regional needs, the development of cooperation is expected to support sustainable food security.
These efforts align with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through support for food security and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and local government. Opportunities to develop cooperation focused on strengthening food system resilience to climate risks are also relevant to SDG 13 (Climate Action). This collaboration is expected to provide a foundation for joint contributions toward building a more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable food system in North Sumatra.