Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems ’s Post

A highlight for me this past week was hosting a brainstorming session for fellow directors at FAO HQ (there are well over 20 of us) on the meaning and value of taking a systems approach. Key insights from the discussion for me were: 👉 A systems approach has great potential to help us make more of a difference in our work, not least because it helps us see the complexity of food and agriculture. But it is tough to do and as a basis we need a common language and a common understanding. 👉. A systems approach involves taking action in a way that considers the whole – all the elements and outcomes of food systems - and the inter-relationships within it. Beyond that there are multiple windows through which we can see a systems approach. 👉 A systems approach is about solving problems. We need to take a strategic approach to identifying the problems a systems approach is really needed to solve and work to address the multiple interconnected causes of those problems. 👉 A systems approach is having about more impact over the longer-term by developing self-sustaining systems that deliver long-term outcomes, not just short-term fixes. This is particularly important when working in fragile and conflict settings and working to improve “subsystems”. 👉A systems approach is about making progress on multiple fronts by being conscious of tradeoffs and managing them. This involves navigating a complex political economy. 👉FAO has an important role to play by adopting more of a systems approach in our work - and supporting others do to so. I’d welcome any comments of useful resources and actors working on putting a systems approach into practice in food and agriculture.

Introducing "Food for Thought," our latest series where we hear from food systems experts on the trending topics of their fields. 💡 In this edition, Ramya Ambikapathi explores the complexities of the food employment sector, particularly within informality. The individuals operating within this informal economy play a crucial role in the food supply chain, yet their contributions often go unrecognized and unsupported. How can we navigate these challenges and foster improvements in this vital sector? Watch to find out 🤔 Based at: Cornell Global Development & Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

"This handbook is for a self-organized workshop on degrowth and food system transformation. The workshop is a two- to four-hour process where participants engage in open-minded and critical reflection regarding food systems and their relationship to the growth-based economy." https://lnkd.in/eiQTJQRr

I have enjoyed reading my friend Grace Hasler's blog, "Hasler's Hollerings," so much that I wanted in on the fun! One of my 2025 New Year's Resolutions is to be more intentional about the things I am passionate about. I am starting a blog to share a young professional's perspective about all things agriculture, environmental science, and climate sustainability! This first post shares how my Papou (Greek for "Grandpa") led me into the agriculture industry.

🤷🏼♂️ No matter what we know, there’s always more to learn right…? ABSOLUTELY!!!! Team TS had a brilliant day at Invest Northern Irelands Consumer Insight Conference at CAFRE - College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Loughry campus yesterday. We heard from a great line up of fantastic speakers including TRKR - Food and Drink, Kantar and Food2Market who provided clear information on latest market data, 📊 trends 📈 and best practices for engaging with customers 🤝 #thewhybehindthebuy #consumerinsights

Are you attending the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue? Make sure to check out the exciting Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) and World Food Prize Foundation Laureate Memory Game and explore the impactful contributions of Laureates to boosting #FoodSecurity globally over the years! #FoodPrize24 #BorlaugDialogue

🍇 🍇🍇 Big News from Entrepreneurs Academy! We are thrilled to announce our groundbreaking win of a USDA grant, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in Harvey, Illinois! In collaboration with Harvey School District 152 and the Mayor’s Office, we’re bringing innovation to life by installing a 40-foot hydroponic shipping container at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. This hands-on learning space will empower middle school students to explore food activism, nutrition, and sustainable urban farming. But it doesn’t stop there! Adults—including veterans—will have the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial training, food technologies, and cutting-edge solutions to combat food insecurity. Together, we’re cultivating a future where food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity thrive in harmony. Learn more about the USDA Grant via the link. https://buff.ly/4fyS3wd

Dr. Evdokia Krystallidou, Director of the Innovation & Impact HUB of American Farm School, has been voted one of the 50 most influential executives in the Food Innovation sector 🎉🎉 Dr. Krystallidou stated: "Research and innovation pave new paths in agri-food, and their value becomes wealth for society and the economy when someone mediates to connect researchers with users. Our duty, as need scouts and innovation intermediaries, is to ensure that these paths remain accessible and open for all, environmentally green, and productive for the economy and society." The Food Innovation 50 list is the first effort by Foodreporter and BOUSSIAS media to deeply explore and discover those executives from the R&D departments of food and beverage industries, including laboratories, inspections, studies, and research, as well as academic figures in the fields of food technology and safety, who contribute innovation and new scientific data. At the end of the day, they transform research into practice, adding value to the final product and the market itself. 🔗 See the full Food Innovation 50 Powerlist 2024 in the online edition: https://lnkd.in/d8Mrk-CT #foodinnovation #agrifood #americanfarmschool

Two Hands has met some incredible people along our 18 month journey here in the UK. People who, like us, are passionate about making a positive impact for farmers, fishermen AND net zero. And realise that sometimes fixing problems requires revolutionary steps, not 'baby' steps. The food supply chain is a perfect example - just layering tech on top of the existing supply structure will not bring about the fundamental change needed. But Two Hands can, because we re-engineer the supply chain and incorporate tech into that, while minimising the workload for producers and restaurants.

In continuing the Series on Important stalwarts from Food processing /allied industry. Thanks FT Madhura Gokhale for help in drafting this as Co-author. George Washington Carver: The Peanut Man and Plant Doctor - He was first Afro-American to earn a Bachelor degree in science, first person to extensively worked on agriculture and Processing of agriculture to Food, and how that entire thing will uplift the average american and world citizen's life overall.