Slow Food’s Post

5th Global Food Security Conference: Towards equitable, sustainable and resilient food systems: April 9-12, 2024 (Leuven, Belgium)   https://lnkd.in/e7bh2uWt   Food system activities are increasing putting pressure on planetary boundaries and the natural resource base which underpins food security for all. They are also accentuating the triple burden of malnutrition for many, and healthier diets derived from more sustainable food systems are needed. The triple ‘Cs’ of climate, covid and conflict, and other recent short-term shocks to the food system, have emerged against a background of longer-term stresses, adding the issue of food system resilience to the already-recognised sustainability agenda. There is therefore an urgent need for food system change both to improve health and environmental outcomes in fairer and more equitable ways, and to enhance resilience to further shocks and stresses. Building on the momentum from the UN Food System Summit and recognizing that the 2030 target year of the Sustainable Development Goals is on the horizon, this 5th Global Food Security Conference will bring together science, business and policy to address this need. Themes include: 1. Towards net zero 2. Enhancing sustainability and resilience of food systems 3. Challenges of the true cost of producing food 4. Models and applied methodologies to study food systems dynamics and trade-offs 5. Ensuring equity and fairness across food systems 6. Food politics, governance and accountability of food system actors 7. Addressing changing dietary demands and inequities in an interconnected world 8. Novel food sources and technologies: Upscaling and acceptability 9. The future of farms, farmers and farming 10. Robust sustainable food systems to reduce losses and food waste #globalfoodsecurity #malnutrition #sustainability #sustainable #resilience #climateresilience #foodsystems #foodsystemstransformation #sustainablefoodsystems #planetaryhealth #planetaryhealthdiet #planetaryboundaries #equity #socialequity #foodequity #foodpolicy #foodwaste #foodwastereduction #foodwasteprevention #dietitians #nutritionists #nutrictionists

📢 Check out my new article on: "Linking Science to Practice for Collective Food System Transformation : Why Community and Stakeholder Voices Matter" In our quest for a sustainable and equitable food system, bridging the gap between science and practice is crucial. Science provides the evidence-based knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and policy formulation. However, without the input and perspectives of communities and stakeholders, these solutions may fall short of addressing the diverse needs and challenges present within our food systems. Why is it Necessary to Link Science to Practice? 🔍 Evidence-Based Solutions: Science offers insights into the complex dynamics of food systems, from agricultural practices to distribution networks and consumer behavior. By grounding practices in scientific research, we can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental degradation. 📊 Informed Decision-Making: Policymakers, businesses, and practitioners need access to reliable data and research findings to make informed decisions about food system interventions. 🔄 Adaptation and Resilience: As our understanding of food systems evolves, so too must our practices. By integrating the latest scientific knowledge into our food system strategies, we can adapt to changing environmental conditions, market dynamics, and societal needs, enhancing the resilience of our food systems. 🌱 Resource Optimization: Science can help us identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement within food systems, enabling us to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and increase productivity. From precision agriculture techniques to sustainable packaging solutions, scientific advancements drive efficiency and sustainability across the food value chain. Why Community and Stakeholder Voices Matter? 🏘️ Local Contextual Knowledge: Communities possess valuable insights into their local food systems, including cultural traditions, dietary preferences, and environmental conditions. Incorporating community perspectives ensures that interventions are tailored to local needs and are culturally appropriate. ⚖️ Equity and Social Justice: Food system transformation must prioritize equity and social justice to ensure that all members of society have access to nutritious and culturally relevant food. By engaging with marginalized communities and amplifying their voices, we can address systemic inequalities and work towards a more inclusive food system. 💪 Ownership and Empowerment: Involving communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. When individuals have a stake in the outcome, they are more motivated to actively participate in improving food security and sustainability. 🤝 Conflict Resolution: Stakeholder engagement facilitates dialogue and collaboration, helping to identify and address potential conflicts of interest within the food system.

Inspired by the Global Food Security conference, Julian Baggini wrote an interesting article on the discourse around meat consumption. 'Meat matters' when it comes to making the food system more sustainable but as it is a multifaceted issue, it is important to be informed by science just as much as following changes in the EU policy landscape. Some key takeaways and thoughts: 🗝  “no silver bullet” discussion: it seems like a must to mention but it too often summarises debates around our food system. 🥕  "adopting a more plant-based diet": this does not mean everyone should stop consuming meat & dairy. A relatively small part of society is eating a disproportionate amount of meat ( and sugar but that is worth another post) but most would still benefit from eating a more "plant-rich" diet, which is also highlighted in some (but still too few) dietary guidelines (e.g. Nordics, Germany and Austria). 🤝 change should be based on collective action: personal behaviour is a "weak lever for change" but acting together can put pressure on the system and lead to reforms. Consumer choice would only lead to system-level changes with consistent communication and financial incentives along the entire supply chain. Consumers are price sensitive but so as the other actors in this chain. The two ends of it are not the only ones to take more responsibility. 🍴👩🌾 ⛔ negative and bisecting messaging won't help: labelling products as vegan creates division between consumers and it should not be a binary decision to convince more people to eat less animal-based products. Ultra-processed meat substitutes provide a band-aid solution, while the emphasis should be on how we can reintroduce protein sources like legumes at the household level. I believe public procurement and integrating cooking into primary education have immense potential to accelerate this process. Make sure to check out this article for some recent stats on the topic👉 https://lnkd.in/dW8eAk-3

Wyma champions sustainability in global food production with new comprehensive guide - Potato News Today Wyma champions sustainability in global food production with new comprehensive guide  Potato News Today

For many people, food system transformation is still an abstract concept. It’s paramount to ensure a shared and concrete understanding of what a food systems approach means and its vital value for people and the planet. #FoodSystems #DonorCoordination https://bit.ly/4a6L8HL

The food industry is witnessing a groundbreaking shift toward innovative food products that blend different species into one, creating what some may call “frankenfoods.” Two recent developments have caught the attention of food enthusiasts and scientists alike: beef-infused rice and plant-based dairy technology. #sustainability #foodsystems

🍎 🥑 Food supply chains have become pretty complicated, often involving many middlemen before food reaches us. While this extensive network supports global trade, here's why it is worth going local. ✅ By cutting down the length of the food supply chain, we can significantly boost food quality and freshness. According to WRAP, food in the UK travels about 600 miles on average. This long journey can degrade the nutritional value and taste of our food. Local sourcing reduces the time from farm to fork, ensuring that our food is fresher and more nutritious. ✅ Studies show that fruits and veggies lose 30-50% of their nutrients within a week of harvesting. Sourcing locally helps preserve their nutritional value and taste. ✅ Environmental sustainability is another big plus of shortening the food supply chain. Transport accounts for about 27% of the UK's total emissions, according to BEIS, and food transportation contributes a lot to this. ✅ A University of Exeter study found that locally grown produce can cut transportation-related emissions by up to 5%. ✅ Shortening the food supply chain also supports local economies. Buying local keeps money within the community and supports regional farmers and businesses. The New Economics Foundation says money spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy compared to supermarket chains. This local spending creates jobs in farming, food processing, and distribution, contributing to a stronger local economy. ✅ Transparency and trust in the food system are enhanced when the supply chain is shorter. Consumers can trace their food back to its source, boosting confidence in its quality and safety. Local producers are often more accountable to their customers, leading to higher standards. The Soil Association reports that consumers who buy directly from local farmers have greater trust in their food sources. On the flip side, long food supply chains involve more intermediaries, increasing costs and the risk of malpractices. Each intermediary adds a markup, leading to higher costs for us. Plus, the complexity of longer supply chains can hide unethical practices, like poor working conditions. The Food Ethics Council highlights that food fraud and mislabeling are more common in extended supply chains, compromising food integrity and trust. Picture - Waste-Ed 📌 Follow me at Tamma Carel for more such posts around nature, sustainability and environmental legislation and compliance.

World Food Safety Day: Embrace Chemical-Free Food for a Healthier Future! Today, as we mark World Food Safety Day, it's time to reflect on the importance of safe, nutritious, and chemical-free food for our health and well-being. At BigManure, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices that prioritize the health of both people and the planet. Why Choose Chemical-Free Food? • Health Benefits: Avoid the risks associated with pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Enjoy food that is pure, nutritious, and safe. • Environmental Impact: Support farming methods that preserve the soil, water, and biodiversity. Help create a sustainable future. •Quality and Taste: Experience the superior taste and quality of produce grown without harmful chemicals. Our 100% organic vermicompost enriches the soil naturally, boosting plant health and yielding nutritious, safe, and delicious food. By choosing chemical-free options, you're not only protecting your health but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Join us in celebrating World Food Safety Day by committing to chemical-free food. Together, we can build a healthier and more sustainable future. #WorldFoodSafetyDay #ChemicalFreeFood #OrganicFarming #SustainableAgriculture #HealthAndWellness #SafeFood #EcoFriendly #NourishNaturally #BigManure

🌱💚Creating a healthier, more sustainable food system means improving food environments 👉 First 100 days of a new government give us opportunity to implement new policies and get commitment to future plans ____ 💥EXCELLENT💥work from The Food Foundation outlining 10 policies which are a first step to nourishing the nation ------- 🚫 STOP junk food cycle 1️⃣ Implement existing legislation on junk food advertising & volume promotions 2️⃣ Introduce guidance on the salt & sugar content of baby & toddler foods ------- 🌱Make it easier to eat sustainably 3️⃣ Update government procurement standards for public settings 4️⃣ Update School Food Standards and introduce compliance monitoring 5️⃣ Introduce horticulture strategy to boost fruit & veg production & consumption -------- 🍟Improve children's diets 6️⃣ Auto-enrol eligible children on Healthy Start scheme 7️⃣ Auto-enrol eligible children onto Free School Meals --------- 🌍Unleash the potential of the food system 8️⃣ Introduce mandatory reporting for businesses on health & sustainability 9️⃣ Hold national food summit to develop clear plan for ending food insecurity 🔟 Establish cross-government working group on food, as first step towards creating new Food Bill _____ 🗯 "These require limited financial resource, legislation, and in most cases have been recommended by Government advisory boards or select committees, or committed to in the past" Food Foundation 🙏 More via links in the comments 👇

The 2024 Arrell Food Summit took place on October 16 and was FAO's Official North American World Food Day 2024 event in partnership with Food Tank. We were privileged to host food system experts from diverse sectors, all coming together to tackle the pressing challenges facing our global food systems. The day was filled with insightful discussions, meaningful connections, and valuable takeaways that will guide future efforts to create more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems. Here are five key takeaways from the 2024 Arrell Food Summit: 1. Food Insecurity is Rising The food system is facing immense challenges, including climate change, geopolitical instability, and growing food insecurity. Addressing these issues while sustainably feeding an expanding global population is a critical priority. However, ensuring food security means more than just having enough food—it requires that everyone has reliable access to diverse, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. 2. Local Solutions for Global Challenges To solve global food challenges, we must look to local communities, recognizing their unique needs and strengths. Solutions that are locally rooted and informed by community feedback are essential for creating lasting, sustainable change. 3. Investing in the Next Generation The future of food systems depends on empowering the next generation with the skills, funding, and support to innovate. We need to make agriculture more attractive to young people, help them navigate systemic barriers, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset to drive meaningful progress in agri-food. 4. A Just Food System is an Equitable Food System True transformation in the food system requires inclusivity, particularly for women, youth, and racialized communities. Marginalized voices bring invaluable perspectives and must be actively included in decision-making to create a more just and equitable food system. 5. Collective Action for Lasting Change Sustainable food systems can only be achieved through collective action, with collaboration across sectors, regions, and communities. While systemic transformation is necessary, it can start with small, coordinated efforts—building from the grassroots and working across all levels to drive long-term change. Stay tuned on our social accounts and website at arrellfoodinstitute.ca as we continue to share insights and highlights from this year's Summit.