PRIMA Partnership’s Post

It's happening tomorrow! ALLEA is jointly organising a 3-part #invitation-only #workshop series, together with Re-Imagine Europa, on decoding #polarisation in the debates on #sustainable #food systems, in which we tackle the “who”, “what”, “where”, and “why” of polarisation, and explore “how” we can depolarise the critical conversations needed to arrive at #innovative solutions for an #inclusive and #equitable future. In the first workshop, illustrious speakers, Barbara Gallani (European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)) and Professor Sir Charles Godfray (Oxford Martin School) share their insights into who the various players in the food system are and how their #interests, priorities and worldviews vary and #intersect when it comes to designing #Sustainable Food systems for #Europe. #Limited spots available! If you would like to participate in this workshop/series, please email ronald@allea.org to reserve your spot. 🖥️ Actors and Agendas – Analysing “Who” are the Players in Sustainable Food Systems and “What” are their Interests 📅 18 Oct, Friday 🕛 1100-1300 CET Read more about the workshop series here 👇 https://lnkd.in/dxRMuApu #farmers, #policy, #food, #strategicdialogue, #europe, #agriculture, #sustainability

🌱 Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in the FOOD & SOCIETY: Paths to Sustainable Food Systems conference at Litteraturhuset in Oslo. Kate Schneider, a food systems researcher from Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, presented her research on the state of the world's food systems. With her team she provided 50 indicators to assess the state of the food system through themes such as Diet, nutrition, and health; Environment, food production, and natural resources; Livelihoods, poverty, and equity; and Governance. 🔍 Through this transversal analysis, Kate and her team sought to measure the current state of the global food system to identify successful models that can inspire others. These indicators will be updated annually to analyze the effectiveness of implemented policies and guide decision-makers in their choices. You can find the study and the various indicators in this article: https://lnkd.in/g-pzTThx 📊 Following this, various experts and professors from NMBU addressed topics such as the interaction between the food system and climate, the importance of tropical forests in combating climate change, advancements in biotechnology and genetics, reducing emissions from cattle-based food, smart farming technologies, analyzing consumer behavior in a changing food system, and food safety and inequality. It was an enriching conference that broadened my understanding of the global food system, emphasize on the challenges it faces while also highlighting the strategies that can make it environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable 🌍

What an opportunity it was to hear scientists present their studies on the food systems of tomorrow! 🌱 From alarming observations, we left with solutions that require changes across all domains (political, agricultural, economic, social, ...). We must rethink our vision of the entire food production chain. The key points I took away from this day are: - Food production has outpaced population growth since 1970. Thus, the issue is no longer about producing more to feed humanity, but rather distributing food more equitably! ⚖ - Undoubtedly, our food system exhibits profound injustice and inequality. According to the FAO, 2 billion people suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity! To tackle the global challenge of hunger, it is imperative for governments to commit strongly and cohesively. 🤝 It is time for this issue to be taken seriously on a global scale, with investments commensurate to the stakes. 💵 Additionally, it is crucial to adopt fair trade policies that ensure fair compensation for farmers. Concurrently, the implementation of social safety net programs, such as cash transfers and food distributions, is essential to protect the most vulnerable populations from food insecurity. - The problem of food waste in developed countries. Consequently, we must enhance the circularity of food systems by placing farmers at the core of this cycle 🔁. It's indeed a significant challenge ahead of us! It is urgent not to bury our heads in the sand at the political and consumer levels! Transforming our consumption habits will require collective effort. So, are you ready to take on the challenge? 😉

🌱 From FoodNavigator: These 10 Start-ups are changing the food game! From soil regeneration to plant-based seafood, these trailblazing innovators are transforming the way we produce, manufacture, and consume food. https://lnkd.in/eVfKK_Ay #FoodInnovation #Sustainability

Morning Knowledge Shot 👩🏫 The paper "Establishing Communities of Value for Sustainable Localized Food Products: The Case of Mediterranean Olive Oil" focuses on how producers of high-quality Mediterranean extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) integrate sustainability and agrobiodiversity in their production to create value-enhanced products. 💡 These producers also build communities around their products, fostering deeper consumer connections that promote sustainable food systems. 🔎 Key findings and phases in community-building include: - Producers enhance their product's value through sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the unique environmental and artisanal characteristics of their olive oil. This differentiation from industrial production highlights the environmental function of the product, focusing on agrobiodiversity and traditional methods, such as multicropping and agroforestry. - Producers attract consumers by emphasizing taste, authenticity, and trust. Strategic partnerships with agritourism, restaurants, and specialty shops, along with participation in fairs, are essential in creating direct consumer relationships. Institutional capital (e.g., Slow Food networks) also plays a significant role in helping producers reach niche markets. - Consumers who regularly purchase the product become "co-producers," helping to spread the word and contributing to a sustainable consumption pattern. This community is not geographically bound but rather united by shared values of sustainability and agrobiodiversity. Finally, communities of value, centered around sustainable localized food products, are crucial for the transition to more sustainable food systems. These communities extend beyond local borders, involving consumers who appreciate the environmental and cultural heritage embedded in these products. Read the full paper published in Sustainability MDPI: https://lnkd.in/dFpdVkrS I talk about #innovation #sustainability #health #nutrition #foodscience #foodtech #foodchemistry #oliveoil #MediterraneanDiet #Polyphenols

Hello LinkedIn Community! 🌱 Today, I want to engage you in a vital conversation about sustainability in the food industry. As we face unprecedented challenges—from climate change to food insecurity—it's clear that rethinking our food systems is not just beneficial; it’s essential. The Importance of Sustainability in Food Production The food industry significantly impacts our planet, accounting for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This reality invites us to reflect on how we can shift towards more sustainable practices. While the challenges are daunting, they also present unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration. One of the most pressing challenges is the environmental impact of conventional farming practices, which often lead to soil degradation and resource depletion. However, this is where we find our opportunity! For instance, regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover cropping and rotational grazing, are gaining traction. These methods not only enhance soil health but also sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Contributions from Microbiology and Food Science Microbiology plays a pivotal role in creating sustainable food solutions. For example, I recently collaborated with a company that employs engineered microbes to convert food waste into nutritious animal feed. This innovation not only reduces waste but also addresses the growing demand for sustainable feed sources. Additionally, fermentation techniques are being harnessed to enhance food preservation and flavor, while simultaneously reducing spoilage. Think of how traditional foods like kimchi and sauerkraut not only provide health benefits but also minimize waste through fermentation. One inspiring example comes from a local startup that repurposes surplus fruits and vegetables into delicious snacks. By using microbial fermentation, they transform potential waste into healthy, crave-worthy products, creating a circular economy model that benefits both the environment and local communities. As we reflect on these examples, I encourage you to consider how we can all contribute to a more sustainable food ecosystem. Together, we can innovate, collaborate, and advocate for practices that promote sustainability and resilience in our food systems. If you found this discussion insightful, please follow me and turn on notifications 🔔 for more valuable content on sustainability and innovation in food science! #MicrobiologyAndFoodScience #Sustainability #FoodInnovation #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodWasteReduction #Fermentation #CircularEconomy #SustainableFood #Day13of25

Sustainability in the Food Industry: A Microbiological Perspective As we navigate the complexities of food production, sustainability remains a pressing concern. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, ensuring a sustainable food supply is crucial. In this post, I'll share my thoughts on the importance of sustainability in the food industry, discuss challenges and opportunities, and highlight microbiology's contribution to these efforts. Importance of Sustainability: 1. Environmental Impact: Food production accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of freshwater usage. 2. Resource Conservation: Sustainable practices conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly agriculture. 3. Food Security: Sustainable food systems ensure equitable access to nutritious food, supporting global food security. Challenges: 1. Scalability: Implementing sustainable practices across large-scale food production systems. 2. Cost: Higher costs associated with sustainable practices, potentially impacting profitability. 3. Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about sustainable food choices and their impact. Opportunities: 1. Microbiological Innovations: Microbiology can enhance sustainable food production through: - Microbial fermentation: Improving nutrient uptake, reducing waste, and creating bio-based products. - Probiotics: Supporting gut health, immunity, and sustainable animal production. - Biopreservation: Extending shelf life, reducing food waste, and promoting safe food handling. 2. Sustainable Practices: Implementing practices like regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, and circular economy models. Practical Examples: 1. Microbial-based biofertilizers: Reducing synthetic fertilizer use, promoting soil health, and increasing crop yields. 2. Sustainable food processing: Implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing water usage, and minimizing waste. 3. Microbiome-based animal feed: Improving animal health, reducing antibiotics, and promoting sustainable livestock production. Follow me for more valuable content on microbiology and food science! 🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated on the latest insights and innovations. #MicrobiologyAndFoodScience #Sustainability #FoodIndustry #day120f25

📢 #SundaySeries Deep Dive: Mainstreaming Food Innovation in the Baltics As global food systems face increasing challenges—climate change, resource scarcity, and food insecurity—innovative solutions have never been more urgent. This recent World Economic Forum paper, Mainstreaming Food Innovation, provides a framework that the Baltic countries can leverage to foster sustainable food systems. Main Takeaways: 1. Innovation Ecosystem: The framework focuses on a “Source-Shape-Scale” approach, meaning solutions are identified, tailored, and then scaled through partnerships among stakeholders. 2. Key Focus Areas: Soil health and protein diversification are central to resilient food systems, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing food security. 3. Investment and Collaboration: Overcoming barriers like high costs, policy challenges, and infrastructure limitations will require coordinated investment across public and private sectors. How the Baltic Countries Can Approach This: Baltic nations, with their strong agricultural base and innovative spirit, can lead by developing local Food Innovation Hubs. These hubs would create the multistakeholder collaboration needed to scale impactful food technologies. By focusing on soil health and alternative proteins, the Baltics can promote regenerative agriculture and sustainable protein sources tailored to regional needs. Leveraging This Framework for Impact: • Public-Private Partnerships: Governments should foster partnerships with innovators and farmers, offering regulatory support and incentives. • Investment in R&D: By increasing funding for soil and protein innovations, the Baltics can attract private investors interested in long-term sustainable growth. • Empowering Farmers: Farmers should be engaged as co-creators, not just end-users, in developing and testing new solutions for local challenges. To make the vision of sustainable food systems a reality, Baltic stakeholders must unify efforts to source, shape, and scale food innovations that respect both the environment and community needs. This year we have new category: Food innovation powered by Rimi Baltic Group. Let’s see who will be the top sustainable initiatives on November 26 Awards ceremony. And don’t hesitate to get your pass to the Leading Baltic Forum on November 27 in Riga.

The University of Sydney and Peking University have launched a Joint Centre for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development, which will support research into improving the sustainability and security of food systems in Australia and China.

Transforming Food Systems: Narratives of Power (2024) - New Book https://lnkd.in/ei8PAriS Description “This book focuses on the contested nature and competing narratives of food system transformations, despite it being widely acknowledged that changes are essential for the safeguarding of human and planetary health and well-being. The book approaches food system transformation through narratives, or the stories we tell ourselves and others about how things work. Narratives are closely connected with theories of change, although food system actors frequently lack explicit theories of change. Using political economy and systems approaches to analyze food system transformation, the author focuses on how power in food systems manifests, and how this affects whom can obtain healthy and culturally appropriate food on a reliable basis. Among the narratives covered are agroecology, food sovereignty and technological innovation. The book draws on interviews and recorded speeches by a broad range of stakeholders, including international policymakers, philanthropists, academics and researchers, workers in the food and agricultural industries and activists working for NGOs and social movements. In doing so, it presents contrasting narratives and their implicit or explicit theories of change. This approach is vitally important as decisions made by policymakers over the next few years, based on competing narratives, will have a major influence on who will eat what, how food will be produced, and who will have a voice is shaping food systems. The overarching contribution of this book is to point toward the most promising pathways for achieving sustainable food systems and refute pathways that show little hope of achieving a more sustainable future.” This book will be of great interest to students, scholars and policymakers interested in creating a sustainable food system which will ensure a food secure, socially just and environmentally sustainable future. #foodsystems #foodsystemtransformation #sustainablefoodsystems #sustainability #sustainable #foodsovereinty #socialjustice #foodjustice #foodequity #foodadvocacy #power #foodandpower #politicaleconomy #foodpolicy #dietitians #planetaryhealth #publichealth #populationhealth