Independiente Diálogo Bites of Transfoodmation – Hands on the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Main findings The structure of this fifth workshop was a little bit different from the previous ones, because we decided to focus on the Manifesto and on the participants' own ideas and projects - and therefore did not envisage the participation of external speakers. What was important for us, was to allow the participants to really focus on some paragraphs of the Manifesto, try to project themselves into the future and find a common and unifying language. We perceived that during the groups discussions, where the main topics that emerged during the Bites of Transfoodmation journey were discussed, participa... Leer másnts had a hard time sticking to the themes of their discussion group. Indeed, due to the interconnectedness of food systems, there was the tendency to include concepts already covered in other paragraphs. This showed us even more that a holistic approach is needed to truly understand and address pathways towards the future of food systems. Nevertheless, the groups managed to stick to their chapters, and eventually the Manifesto draft was modified to suit the whole group’s wishes, feelings and ideals. After the break-out sessions, participants that developed some concrete projects able to transform current food systems in line with the lines of action of the Manifesto, were able to make some elevator pitches to present their ideas to the plenary of the group. This opportunity was great for those presenting their projects, as well as for the rest of the audience, as the first could show their ideas and achievements and get a feedback, and the latter could listen, get inspired and connect for future ideas. Moreover, the presentations really allowed the whole group to see their ideas and visions gaining shape and be applied on the ground, in a true and feasible way. Certainly, through these projects, the Manifesto reconfirmed itself and gained even more legitimacy, as it allows for concrete and collective action. Leer menos
Independiente Diálogo Bites of Transfoodmation – Hands on the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Group 1: Narratives and Advocacy + Connectivity, knowledge and digitalization First of all, the group talked about narratives and advocacy. It underlined the importance of allowing for a multitude of narratives. More specifically, the group highlighted the need to change the binary nature of plant-based diets, where eating meat is classified as being bad and unhealthy and eating plants is good and healthy. Indeed, the group suggested that narratives should be inclusive, in the sense that nobody is obliged to consume or give up on something, and that a plant-based diet could for instance be com... Leer másplementary to any person's nutritional traditions, habits and culture. The idea is to open up the nutritional options and to improve accessibility of these kinds of diets. Secondly, the group talked about connectivity, knowledge and digitalization. It suggested that, in order to shift our food systems, on one hand we need knowledge coming from family, school, etc. to know how and what to consume and on the other hand we need data to improve the provision of food in terms of diversification and personalization to make it more accessible. Indeed, by quantifying and analyzing the impacts of every single sector in the food system it is possible to understand the connection and correlation among all the sectors. The group also underlined the importance at the governmental and city level to provide knowledge through school/workshop/etc. to make sure there is easy access to information about food systems.Another proposal of the group envisaged the creation of a platform both connecting and informing different people about food systems, personalized diets, origins of food, etc. using a simple language that allows everybody to access the information. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Bites of Transfoodmation – Hands on the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Group 2: Habitats and proximity + diversity of systems Participants were asked to discuss two topics: the need to rethink our habitats by linking sustainability with social proximity, thus leading to a positive cycle of citizenship, and the narrative of understanding diversity as the main unifying factor of food systems of the future. Participants highlighted the presence of physical and cognitive invisible walls, somehow separating the rural and the urban world, and the need to tear these walls down to allow for a space of social proximity in which producers, transformers and consumers ar... Leer máse constantly connected with feedback flowing easily in both directions. While the physical barrier was perceived as more explicit, which can partially be explained by unaware urban planning in terms of the chosen location of infrastructures (corporations, supermarkets, food processing plants, etc.), the cognitive barrier is linked to the predominant narrative that food production is only meant for rural areas. They considered that new technologies can play a predominant role in breaking down these invisible walls since, through new ideas and possibilities, they would be able to change the perception that food can only be produced on empty, flat spaces. Another proposition made was to recreate stronger linkages with per-urban areas and suburbs through the establishment of food/nutrition corridors between cities and their surrounding areas. Moreover, big corporations were seen as key actors in this separation and therefore participants suggested that the normative framework should address this issue. Finally, the group suggested that everyone, architects, civil engineers, lawyers and many other professions should be involved in the process of creating new spaces for production, exchanges, transportation, transformation, etc. Participants stressed the importance of promoting new forms of cross-sectoral professional careers as a means of promoting social change and allowing for a positive cycle of citizenship. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Governance, Innovation, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Bites of Transfoodmation – Hands on the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Group 3: Renewed traditions and empowered culture + Affordability and true value The group discussed two subjects which were outcomes of previous workshops : one about how renewed traditions can ensure a culture of empowerment, the second about how affordability is linked and relates to the true value of food, and eventually to seeing food as a public good. First, about renewed traditions, the group underlined the importance of taking the best out of both traditions and innovations, as it would reduce the fear of losing something. It highlighted that while intergenerational dialogues are key, ... Leer másthe voice of the youth should be strengthened in decision-making arenas, in a real and honest manner, in particular when it comes to taking actions with a sense of urgency. Second, about affordability and true value, the group highlighted the need not only to account for the true value of food in the consumption price but also at each stage of the chain, redistributing at the same time accountability and positive side-effects across the chain in a fairer manner. The link between true value and well-being was underlined and the need for providing consumers with more and more easily accessible information highlighted. The group also talked about the multi-dimensionality of affordability which not only refers to the financial capacity of a consumer to access a good but also embeds awareness, education, information,… eventually relating to inequalities. It finally stressed the necessity of taking actions in a collective and holistic manner and not only individually. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 4 Palabras clave: Governance, Innovation, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Bites of Transfoodmation – Hands on the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Area of divergence In the first group dealing with narratives, advocacy, knowledge, connectivity and digitalization there were only two points of divergence. First, some participants suggested that the narrative of reducing meat consumption in order to have a more sustainable impact on food systems is a western narrative mostly related to urban areas, while some others considered it to be interesting and feasible on a global scale. Moreover, some participants were more convinced than others about the importance of data in the transformative process: some considered that data are a “must” to tackle the major ... Leer másstructural challenges of current food systems, while others believed that change must also originate from traditional knowledge sharing (school, education, workshops, etc.) In the second group, discussing about habitats, proximity, and diversity of food systems, there was the need to solidify what we mean by the term “diversity”. Indeed, participants seemed to have different interpretations and eventually, a clearer understanding of the concept of “embracing diversity” was not reached. Moreover, a few participants were not convinced by the fact that a more specialized production might lead to more diverse systems allowing for personalized diets. In the third group, dealing with renewed traditions, empowered culture, affordability and true value, the group did not have any sharp contention. Slight divergences (which were then settled through a common understanding) included the importance of intergenerational discussions versus the importance of strengthening the voice of the youth and the understanding of true value as inherently spanning across the chain or not. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Discussion topic outcome First Steps These are the immediate actions identified by participants in moving towards Sustainable Food Systems • Establish a fully representative Food Systems Council • Create a framework that captures what we know, engages stakeholders and addresses gaps, aiming for incremental improvement. • Develop education/awareness/behaviour change programmes for consumers as a whole (not just schools) that explain sustainable food systems from production through to consumption. • Develop a process to manage the trade-offs to ensure progress and avoid unintended consequences. • Identify the ... Leer másbiggest problems and target those with ambition to tackle them first. • Invest in research on how we can deliver affordable sustainable food • Implement transparency in the supply chain to ensure equity to all stakeholders • Address the issue of food waste. • Sense of urgency is required, but we must bring all stakeholders along the journey. • Invest in local food systems development • Use taxation of unhealthy and unsustainable foods to finance sustainable food system initiatives • Increase funding to horticulture and other underrepresented sectors. • Raise awareness, educate and empower consumers on the 'value' of food • Greater regulation of marketing and promotion of 'sustainable' foods. • Greater investment in emerging technologies and foods to assess their sustainability credentials. • Budgets for research need to be aligned with a vision for where our food system will be in 10 years. • Refocus investment on nutrient content, quality (nutrition) and value addition and away from volume of production. • Increase the production of more nutrient dense foods by exploiting new plant varieties, better animal genetics and better crop husbandry to deliver better outcomes with minimal additional cost. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Area of divergence The areas of divergence are listed under outcome 2 above in the list of trade-offs identified. To summarize these two key areas of divergence were noted. It was also noted that participants felt that both of these 'divergences' could be explored further and that solutions could be found. 1. Local v Global The majority of economic output from Irish farms is for the export market, yet there was a recognition that local production of safe and nutritious food for local consumption also needs to be addressed. Balancing trade-offs in the local v. global debate is a real challenge for Irish stakehold... Leer másers. 2. Cost v. Value of sustainable food Does sustainable food need to be more expensive? What do we need to do to ensure producers get a fair price? What value do consumers place on food and will they be willing to pay more for sustainable food? Will the cost of sustainable food place unfair barriers to access for less well off households? Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Major focus Firstly we decided to focus on trade-offs as these are a great way of getting people to think about the consequences of what they are advocating for, decisions made and who they might effect rather than focusing on problems and solutions. Secondly, we split our Dialogues into two with one focused on sustainable and equitable consumption and one on sustainable and equitable production. These two topics were deliberately very broad to enable as much dialogue as possible. By having a very structured facilitation process we were able to manage the discussions without predetermining the topics. Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4 Palabras clave: Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Main findings The main findings are detailed in the outcomes section. Discussions were facilitated using the design thinking approach and the outcomes reflect this. There was an initial component on participant's vision of what a sustainable and equitable food system might look like. This was followed with a discussion on what the barriers/trade/offs might be in achieving this vision. Finally we asked participants what might be the first steps we could take to achieve the vision. Palabras clave: Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Discussion topic outcome The Vision This is what a Sustainable Food System should include according to participants • A definition of Sustainable Food based on science, that recognizes natural production and is clear and unambiguous. • Healthy and nutritious food available at affordable prices that delivers safe and nutritious outcomes for all consumers • A food system that is equitable to all actors (in terms of economic returns, decision making power and onus to change) • Zero emissions and waste through a functioning circular economy • A food system that enhances biodiversity and improves soil and water q... Leer másuality. • A food system that supports socially sustainable communities • Strong Animal welfare systems • Increased consumption of healthy, nutrient rich foods • Consumption of meat and dairy (animal products) linked to nutritional guidelines • Consumers who understand the real value of food • Clear, user friendly food labelling and credible marketing claims • Proactive consumers demanding clarity on what they are eating, prioritising their health and safety. • We need to have the capacity to manage and respond to the unknown, unknowns as the food system changes rapidly. • Knowledge of the risks associated with new foods • Moving focus from “Farm to Fork” to “Soil to Gut” Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Governance, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo Dialogue on trade-offs in meeting Ireland’s climate change commitments while developing its agri-food sector. Enfoque geográfico: Irlanda Discussion topic outcome Barriers / Trade-Offs The following are paraphrased from the Dialogues • “The current absence of hard scientific evidence and baselines for sustainability makes it difficult to understand sustainability. This leaves room for ambiguity in what is ‘sustainable’ which erodes trust between food system actors” • “Does sustainable food have to mean more expensive food?” • “With only 37% of Irish farmers being economically viable, what might be the impact on the rural economy if food prices don’t increase? • “Terms like green, natural and sustainable have become hijacked, ho... Leer másw can we build credibility for consumers?” • “We shouldn’t assume that all fresh and locally produced foods have the same nutritional benefit” • “Most Irish produce is targeted at the export market. What effect is Irish produce having on consumers and producers in our target markets?” • “Will promoting local and organic provide the economic returns for Irish farmers who rely on exporting 90% of what they produce”. • “How is animal welfare reflected in our measures of sustainability, if at all?” • “Are the voices of Irish farmers being engaged effectively in policy discussions and are they being given equal weight to other stakeholders”. • “What is the real price of sustainable food and will consumers be willing to pay it? If not, who will?” • “What value do consumers place on food and is this really reflected in the cost?” • “Should we tax highly processed low nutrient foods and if so, would this disproportionately affect consumers with lower incomes? Is this equitable?” • “Cheap food is a driver of food waste.” • “Ireland is taking a piecemeal approach to the Food System with multiple separate strategies and institutions doing disparate things. Do we need to take a different approach and develop a Food Systems Policy?” • “The EU’s and Ireland’s policy debate needs more input from individuals, farmers and consumers, but policy and its jargon make participation unattractive for effective engagement”. • “Is CAP a potential catalyst for more sustainable production practices or is it a barrier to them? What measures could be included in CAP (or other policies) to support farmers to engage in more sustainable practices at farm level?” • “Is decreasing the national herd the only way to simultaneously reduce emissions, increase biodiversity, improve water quality and ensure food security, both in Ireland and globally and if so, how can this be reconciled with the current agri-food growth strategy?” • “Most funding goes towards the ‘traditional’ sectors of dairy and meat. Building expertise and capacity in other sectors will take time and money.” • “Can legislation and regulation stay ahead of new product development?” Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Policy, Trade-offs
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Action Track 5: Build resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stress The participants noted: • COVID-19 has revealed the interdependence of actors across food systems. • The pandemic has also revealed how innovations across the value chain have supported on-going production, from basic social distancing measures to shorter supply chains. • Sustaining market access and trade is key in supporting resilience – with access to information across the supply chain essential for anticipating bottlenecks or addressing overlaps. • Ensuring better and more consistently applied standards for p... Leer máslanet and human health is also key. • Climate variability and change makes it harder to bounce back and also to adapt and transform when necessary. • Farmer needs resources and incentives to handle the additional responsibilities they are being tasked to deliver, for instance insurance, social safety nets and financing. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Area of divergence There was broad consensus across the Dialogue participants on many priorities. The areas of divergence often were centred around differences in regional contexts and needs rather than significant ideological differences. Participants also noted a range of tensions that exist amongst different actors within a food system. These included: • Rising consumer expectations vs. farmers’ ‘on-the-ground’ realities (and need for secure livelihoods) • The promise of technologies (especially digitalisation) vs. the need to support farmers to be able to access them • The promise of mechanisatio... Leer másn vs. its effect on employment opportunities for large rural populations • The need to respect local/traditional knowledge vs. the need to adapt practices in the face of climate change • Growing expectations for farm level management of landscapes vs. the need for farmers’ incentives and capacity to implement them • The need to acknowledge (and even celebrate) progress vs. the need for continued urgency in further innovation Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Major focus The theme of the Farming First Independent Dialogue was ‘What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems'. Five breakout sessions were organised, one for each of the Action Tracks. Farming First supporters, including farmers from four continents, were asked to select which of the five breakout sessions they would like to participate in, and facilitators were selected to run each of the breakout sessions. They were asked to first allow participants to introduce themselves, then to discuss specific challenges experienced by the participants in their work and the solutions they offer in support of far... Leer másmers, then to discuss how these overlap into synergies or trade-offs (either by theme or by region) moving forward. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Main findings The opening and closing sessions found broad consensus across the group around several key areas: • Young people will be most affected and will be most relevant in driving future progress across food systems. • Farmers will face heightened pressure to deliver on consumer expectations and also to compete with non-traditional productions systems like laboratories and urban facilities. • There is an urgent and continued need for robust data and innovation, and for food systems policies to be informed by and formulated based on science. • The connection between farmers and consumers needs ... Leer másto be strengthened so that we all understand better how and where our food comes from and the conditions that farmers navigate to produce our food each day. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Action Track 1: Ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all The participants noted: • Farmers need support (and a rationale) to grow and sell more nutritious varieties of crops. It’s a big risk to many farmers to change what they’re currently growing, and it’s not necessarily more profitable to do so. • Different regions experience different realities, both in terms of the agroecological and also the socioeconomic conditions where they operate. • Technology and innovation are key to helping farmers be more productive and also to reduce food loss and waste. • Educating consu... Leer másmers from a young age about nutrition and food systems is key. • Support is needed not only at the farm level but across the entire agri-food value chain. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 1 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Action Track 2: Shift to sustainable consumption patterns The participants noted: • Farmers and consumers need to be better connected, not only in terms of market access but also in terms of mutual understanding, which in turn informs consumer behaviour and expectations. • Climate change is requiring more urgent and diverse need for innovation in terms of inputs, extension and access to information and finance. The policy environment must enable this. • Farmers need to be incentivised to adopt various practices, especially in terms of consumer demand. • To engage young people, it’s e... Leer másssential to level the playing field. This is especially true for smallholder farmers struggling to access resources. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 2 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Action Track 3: Boosting nature-positive production The participants noted: • Agriculture is not the enemy; it is a solutions provider. There are win-win solutions that exist. • It is challenging to identify clear recommendations that are scalable globally yet adaptable to local conditions. • Access to technology does not need to be regulated globally: different technology will be beneficial in different locations. • Farmers are not getting sufficient recognition for the continual improvements being made. • New technologies are already helping farmers ‘grow more from less’, from ... Leer másdisease detectors and moisture sensors to plant breeding innovations that increase productivity and lower the carbon footprint. • Climate change is making it harder for farmers to know how to manage their production reliably and efficiently, for instance late rains washing away seeds that have just been planted. • Farmers need support, in terms of incentives and research support, if they are to be tasked with carbon sequestration on their farms. • Digital solutions are driving progress in precision agriculture. Leer menos Línea(s) de Acción: 3 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo What Farmers Need in Future Food Systems Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Discussion topic outcome Action Track 4: Advance equitable livelihoods The participants noted: • Farmer livelihoods must be considered in balance with the demands of purchasers and their consumers. • Farmers need access to markets, innovation, training and finance. • Farmers must collaborate more effectively (e.g. via cooperatives) to have a larger voice in policy discussions and to be able to access bigger markets or partnerships • There is an urgent need for metrics that make it easier to measure progress and outcomes. Línea(s) de Acción: 4 Palabras clave: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation, Policy, Trade-offs, Women & Youth Empowerment
Independiente Diálogo Enabling Agricultural Trade; An Independent United Nations Food Systems Summit Dialogue by the WTO Secretariat Enfoque geográfico: Sin fronteras Major focus •The dialogue theme was 'Enabling Food Trade'. The discussion examined the role of trade policy in ensuring access to safe and nutritious food that is produced and consumed sustainably. The role of international trade in food will only rise in importance with the onset of greater climate change, where many more parts of the world will have to rely on trade for their food security. Línea(s) de Acción: 1, 2, 5 Palabras clave: Environment and Climate, Governance, Innovation, Policy
