Foresight activities that include participatory processes as well as careful analysis can help address the great uncertainties concerning the future of food systems and the role of crop and livestock breeding. There would be big benefits to designing and carrying out a process to develop and support a value proposition for future CGIAR breeding activities. More multi-disciplinary team approaches are needed to work on trait prioritization for CGIAR and partners, embedded within a systems approach. Participatory methods to characterize stakeholders’ needs and preferences are crucial to ensure that new varieties fulfil their expectations in highly dynamic market environments.