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The New Manifesto process provides an opportunity critically to analyse and to reassess the global food and agricultural system in the light of growing uncertainties. In the face of the pressing challenges posed by hunger, malnutrition and the vulnerability of our food system, it is imperative that radical reforms to our food system are articulated and implemented. Questions about the governance of the current food system need to be posed and answered. Key issues that need to be addressed include the direction of innovation and technological choices, the distribution of costs and benefits amongst producers, consumers and our environment, and the diversity and characteristics of possible socio-technical pathways that could lead to more sustainable and socially just food futures. This paper presents some ideas on what a comprehensive strategy for reforming the global food and agriculture system might look like, in light of those questions about directionality, distribution and diversity.