The current research provides a critical framework for addressing the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a multifaceted crisis jeopardizing global food safety, public health, and sustainable agriculture. This paper examines AMR not as an isolated issue but as a systemic contaminant traversing the entire food chain, from primary production to consumption. We analyse the primary risk points: the selective pressure exerted by prophylactic and metaphylactic antimicrobial use in intensive livestock and aquaculture systems; the environmental dissemination of resistant bacteria and genes through manure, wastewater, and soil; and the subsequent cross-contamination of food during processing and distribution. In response, we propose an integrated, four-pillar management strategy. First, reducing the need for antimicrobials by fundamentally improving animal health through enhanced welfare, robust biosecurity, vaccination, and precision nutrition. Second, optimizing use through strict veterinary stewardship, diagnostic-guided therapy, and adherence to withdrawal periods. Third, breaking environmental pathways via advanced manure treatment technologies, such as thermophilic composting and anaerobic digestion, to degrade resistance determinants before they enter ecosystems. Fourth, preventing food chain transmission through improved hygiene protocols at slaughter and processing, along with targeted consumer education on safe food handling. The successful implementation of this holistic approach is challenged by significant barriers, including economic disincentives for farmers, regulatory fragmentation across sectors, gaps in integrated surveillance, and low consumer awareness. We conclude that mitigating AMR requires unprecedented collaboration and aligned incentives across all stakeholders, producers, veterinarians, processors, retailers, regulators, and consumers. A coordinated “Farm to Fork” strategy, supported by coherent policies, transparent data sharing, and economic mechanisms that reward stewardship, is indispensable for preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials, protecting public health, and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our global food systems for future generations.

farm to fork, agriculture, antimicrobial, threats, resistance

agronomy

Presentation: poster