FoodRevolution 2024

As climate change intensifies, researchers at MIT are pioneering new strategies to enhance food production and help crops withstand increasingly common droughts. 🌍 🌱 MIT’s multidisciplinary approach includes a range of innovative technologies, such as seed coatings that support germination in nutrient-depleted soils and microbial fertilizers that reduce reliance on synthetic options. Notably, efforts are underway to optimize pesticide application, improving how these chemicals adhere to plants. This not only enhances effectiveness but also minimizes runoff and environmental impact. Additionally, new sensing technologies are being developed to provide farmers with real-time data on crop stress, enabling quicker responses to environmental challenges. These advancements collectively aim to boost crop yields while prioritizing sustainability and environmental health. These cutting-edge solutions highlight the potential to transform agriculture into a more regenerative system, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the planet. 🌱✨ At FoodRevolution2026 we’ll dedicate the first day of the conference to exploring sustainable practices and solutions in agriculture. Stay tuned to learn more about our next edition! #sustainableagriculture #climatechange #innovation

ProVeg International has recently released an in-depth study examining nearly 700 plant-based products across 11 countries, including 422 meat alternatives and 251 plant milks. This research emphasizes the significant health advantages of these plant-based options when compared to their animal-based counterparts. 🥗 The findings show that plant-based options, such as sausages, chicken nuggets, and bacon, generally have a healthier composition than traditional animal products. Notably, soy milk stands out as a top performer, often surpassing cow's milk in nutritional value. The research underscores that plant-based meats contain less saturated fat and significantly more fiber, making them a healthier choice overall. As the demand for sustainable food options grows, transitioning to a more plant-rich diet is increasingly recommended. This shift not only benefits personal health but also contributes to combating climate change and preserving biodiversity. At #FoodRevolution2024, we were privileged to preview these findings, thanks to Valentina Gallani, who provided invaluable insights into the future of plant-based nutrition. Let’s continue to embrace healthier, sustainable choices for ourselves and the planet! 🌍 Follow the link in the first comment below to take a look at the full report! 👇 #plantbased #sustainability

A recent report from Wageningen University urges a significant change in our food systems to enhance food security and sustainability. The findings, presented during the annual Mansholt Lecture, advocate for reduced livestock herds and a move toward plant-based diets to tackle pressing environmental issues. 🌱🐄🐖 The report highlights that while Europe's agri-food sector is largely self-sufficient, the focus should shift from merely increasing production to enhancing affordability and sustainability. Key insights from the report include: 1.     Autarky is achievable: Europe can produce enough food for its population if protein crop cultivation is increased. However, this necessitates a decrease in meat consumption, as over 60% of local crops currently feed livestock. 2.     Dietary shifts are essential: The report emphasizes the need for a transition to sustainable consumption patterns. Reducing red meat intake is crucial, given that animal farming contributes to 85% of EU agricultural emissions. 3.     Policy intervention is vital: Experts argue against the notion that dietary choices should be left solely to individuals. Instead, strategic interventions, such as rebalancing subsidies and educational campaigns, are necessary to guide consumers toward healthier diets. 4.     Reimagining animal husbandry: The report advocates for smaller herds raised sustainably, utilizing non-human food streams and waste, thereby promoting a more circular approach to agriculture. You can find the link to the report in the first comment below 👇 #plantbased #sustainability #animalfarming

As the food and feed landscape continues to evolve, ongoing efforts to explore the impacts of processing and other factors on novel protein safety will be crucial in maintaining consumer confidence and safeguarding public health.

Exciting developments are underway in Brussels as the EU works on a comprehensive strategy to enhance the role of plant-based proteins in European diets. This initiative aims to provide incentives for farmers to boost production and address the current shortfall in plant protein supply. EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, highlighted the need to increase support for farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), proposing a rise from 3% to at least 5% for plant protein production. This strategy is backed by several member states, including Germany and Denmark, who emphasize the importance of balancing plant and animal protein production. With current data revealing that the EU imports around 19 million tonnes of plant protein annually, the upcoming strategy seeks to not only strengthen local production but also promote research and innovation in the sector. This initiative underscores the vital role of agriculture in the transition to a more sustainable food system. That’s why, at FoodRevolution2026, we will dedicate an entire day to agriculture! Stay tuned for announcements on the dates and location of our next edition! #plantbased #sustainableagriculture #EUproteinstrategy

A recent study conducted in Switzerland has shed light on the microbiological quality of plant-based meat alternatives, considering that these products -being high in water content and nutrients- are particularly vulnerable to microbial spoilage. Researchers tested 100 products from major retailers, focusing on potential foodborne pathogens. While no Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes were found, the presence of non-pathogenic Listeria and other bacteria raises important questions about food safety in this growing market. The study identified specific pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in some vegan samples, highlighting the need for rigorous testing and quality control in production. This research is crucial for companies in the plant-based sector, helping to refine HACCP protocols and ensuring consumer safety. These findings remind us of the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards as we embrace innovative food solutions! 🍽️✨ #foodsafety #plantbased #microbiology

Starting March 2025, the Nutri-Score traffic light label will be systematically displayed on all products sold by Carrefour France via its website and app. Suppliers are required to submit the Nutri-Score for their products, or Carrefour will calculate and publish it themselves, notifying customers of any objections. While Carrefour products already feature this labeling in-store, this initiative will enhance transparency online. This move aligns with Carrefour's ongoing Act for Food program, which has focused on commitments to organic offerings, animal welfare, reducing food waste, and minimizing plastic use. Additionally, Carrefour is taking steps to exclude over 100 controversial substances from its branded products and reduce sugar and salt in recipes. Carrefour joins other chains, like Leclerc, in advocating for traffic light labeling, reflecting a growing commitment within the industry to prioritize consumer health and sustainable practices. At our recent event, Dr. Edward Sliwinski presented on the critical need for transparency in food supply chains, highlighting how Front Of Pack labeling can protect public health and promote sustainability. If you missed it, stay tuned, as we will soon release the proceedings of the event!

As highlighted by a recent investigation from The Guardian, despite widespread commitments to healthier and more sustainable eating habits, UK supermarkets continue to prioritize sales of red and processed meats over alternative proteins. The research revealed that 18% of promotional offers in major chains like Aldi and Tesco are for meat or cheese products, with processed meats making up 11% of these deals. In stark contrast, only 5% of promotions feature fresh fruits and vegetables. This trend raises concerns, as excessive consumption of red and processed meats is linked to health risks and significant environmental impacts. While restaurants are slowly improving their offerings—with a notable 33% featuring vegetarian main dishes—fast food chains remain heavily meat-centric. This highlights a disconnect in the retail sector, where consumer health and environmental sustainability are often sidelined for profit. In comparison, countries like the Netherlands are leading the way, with major supermarkets committing to replacing 60% of meat with plant-based options by 2030. As we move forward, it’s essential for the UK to align with these progressive goals. 

A study, recently published in Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction, conducted by ENEA and the University of Bari, explores innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) can mitigate the climate crisis's impact on soil health. By utilizing machine learning, researchers identified the microbiome as a crucial sentinel of soil health. They emphasize that understanding the dynamics of soil microbiota in response to climate change is vital for effective soil management and environmental protection. As climate change alters temperature and precipitation patterns, it directly affects soil temperature and moisture, leading to changes in microbial communities. This can accelerate the decomposition of organic matter, releasing more greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, thereby threatening agricultural productivity, food security and safety. AI plays a critical role in analyzing complex data, predicting outcomes, and developing strategies to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that at FoodRevolution2026, we will dedicate an entire day to exploring sustainable practices in agriculture. Stay tuned for more updates! #FoodRevolution2026 #SustainableAgriculture #Innovation #ClimateChange

What an extraordinary finale we had yesterday at #FoodRevolution2024! 🎉 We kicked off the day with Dr. Bert Popping, who challenged us to contemplate the "unknown unknowns" in our food systems. Giulia Rosar then shared invaluable insights on building trust in food screening amidst ongoing changes and challenges, emphasizing the critical role of technological innovation and method validation. Roberto Ronzoni followed with an in-depth look at the analytical characterization of recycled plastic materials, foloowed by Dr. David Psomiadis, who expertly navigated the promise and peril of novel foods, advocating for innovative analytical methods to mitigate fraud risks. In our "Toolbox for the Future" session, we heard from Dr. Tanja Kostic about the implications of food system microbiomes for sustainability, while Valentina Gallani discussed the nutrition assessment of global retail plant-based options. Paola Corte introduced us to the Deforestation Regulation, and Cesare Varallo tackled the pressing issues of green claims and greenwashing regulations. As the grand finale, Lucas Simons delivered a compelling presentation on accelerating the transition to a sustainable food system, leaving us inspired for the journey ahead. Thank you for being an integral part of this transformative journey. Together, let’s carry this momentum forward as we strive for a sustainable future in food! We encourage you to mark your calendars for Spring 2026! 😉 #sustainablefood #safefood #healthyfood