Explore Official Dialogue Feedback

The second panel dealing with digitalization, connectivity, and diversification in food systems, as well as narratives and advocacy, was moderated by Marina Helm and hosted the two young changemakers Eugenia Alfine and Giacomo Molteni, and the two challengers Mirja Michalscheck and Francesco Holecz. The main points of the BoT representatives was that digitalization is an important vehicle for change: they suggested that by increasing access to connectivity and technology, inequalities can be reduced and people can be made more aware of what they are actually consuming. Indeed, information and ... Read moreknowledge should be better accessible, especially for young people. Moreover, the two changemakers highlighted the important responsibility everyone has to share positive, diverse and inclusive narratives, because it is thanks to the sharing and repetition of narratives, that the mantra eventually influences reality. In addition, these narratives should focus on what we gain through a change, instead of what we lose (share over shout), and they should lead to advocacy. Through social media, people are able to share the well-articulated narratives and advocate for concrete aligned actions. However, to do so and to be successful, the incentives on social media should change so that the true values, diversity and inclusion are part of our everyday feed. The reactions of the two external speakers were amazing, as they underlined the important message of the Bites of Transfoodmation community. Indeed, they felt inspired and considered that equal access to digitalization, technology and connectivity is a crucial goal to ensure sustainable future food systems. However, despite equal access, they highlighted the importance of filtering good information from bad information (the way we distinguish good quality food from bad quality food). Mirja Michalscheck and Francesco Holecz also confirmed that technology is only a vehicle of change, since people are the ones ensuring change; data and artificial intelligence just facilitate the process. Finally, they concluded their interventions by suggesting that there is a need for a legal framework regarding technology, so that the whole society can operate through these rules: the idea behind it is to make sure that responsabilities do not only lay on the consumer’s side, but also on the authorities’. To conclude, the second panel was a very nice discussion among speakers from different generations, backgrounds and experiences, showing that a unified vision is possible to achieve. Indeed, the only point that was stressed a bit more from the challengers than from the BoT representatives was the fact that it is important to always base every decision and choice on reliable data, in the sense that data alone are not enough to enhance change. Read less

The first panel dealing with the redefinition of new societies through the lens of food, as well as the reconnection with food traditions and rural and urban areas, was moderated by Cassiano Luminati and hosted the two young changemakers Fortesa Softa and Amin Emadi, and the two challengers Sara Roversi and Christian Frutiger. The main point of the BoT representatives was that the reconnection between rural and urban areas is a fundamental aspect in order to give food its real value. They stressed the importance to reconnect with food traditions, retouch cultural values, invest on social capit... Read moreal, connect the food we eat with its environment, conceptualize new ways of planning territories and use the urban areas as connectors to build a more dense and interconnected system. Moreover, the BoT representatives cited the Manifesto and referred to the work of the group which emphasized the need for a new bottom-up approach to build renewed societies where reciprocity among humans and their natural environment will be the starting point. Indeed, transparency and trust in the food chain should be improved and supported by normative work in a more coherent way. They also highlighted the importance of using the principle of subsidiarity to solve problems in the closest possible way. Finally, they underlined the great importance of education. The reactions of the two external speakers were interesting, as they underlined and shared the important message of the Bites of Transfoodmation community. Indeed, they felt inspired and considered that rethinking our societies through a food perspective is a key aspect. Sara Roversi stated that food should not be seen as a commodity, food it is much more than that, it is care and sharing. They all mentioned that we have lost the real value of food and that education can lay a considerable role in recovering from this situation. It has been also said that a food system is like a living organism where everything is interconnected and it works well only if everything else is in harmony. Christian Frutiger has also underlined the importance of the reciprocity concept between people and their habitats. To conclude, the first panel was a very constructive discussion among speakers from different generations, backgrounds and experiences, showing that a unified vision is possible to achieve. Indeed, the only points that were stressed a bit more from the challengers than from the BoT representatives was the fact that it is important not to see a real wall between the rural and urban areas, actually we are closer than we believe, and that we have to understand that we can't treat food-related issues the same way like climate change because of their higher complexity. Read less

The main findings of the first panel were that there is a profound disconnection between producers and consumers, especially in cities, due to an invisible wall dividing the urban from the rural area and making it impossible to have true awareness of the origins and related production systems of food. Moreover, the panel highlighted the importance of supporting hybrid and cross-sectoral professions, as well as investing in education as a very first starting point, to break this wall and ensure social proximity. The main findings of the second panel were the recognition of digital technologies ... Read moreas the vehicle of change brought by the people, as well as the importance of filtering good information from bad one, the same way as we select good quality food from bad quality one. Furthermore, the panel found that social media represents an important tool, especially for younger generations to advocate for better and more inclusive and sustainable narratives. In the third panel, the main findings were that everyone has (theoretically) the right to food and that there is a strong need to make the food system more inclusive for women, the youth, minorities, the poor, indigenous people, refugees, etc. In addition to this, it was recognized during the whole panel that a true cost approach is needed to change the system and make it more sustainable, by internalizing positive and negative externalities in the prices of food, in terms of environmental, social, economic, health and animal welfare implications. In this perspective, the character of food as a potential public good was discussed. Some interesting points were raised by the panelists of the final Debate. Indeed, not only food was recognized as a Human Right in terms of accessibility and affordability, but also the work behind the production of food and the related waste and loss was highlighted. Moreover, the important role of the youth and future generations in enhancing the needed change to reach sustainable food systems was stressed again, especially in relation to spreading the mantra on social media. For this reason, the panelists underlined the importance of including younger generations in decision-making processes. Other main findings of the panel were related to a fair distribution of resources, revenues and end products through sustainable production and social inclusiveness, as well as the recognition of health-related problems in our food system, in terms of undernutrition, malnutrition, over-nutrition and obesity. Read less

The main points touched in the Bites of Transfoodmation Dispute were the six paragraphs of the Bites of Transfoodmation Manifesto about renewed traditions, new habits and empowered culture; habitats and urban-rural proximity; digitalization, connectivity, diversification of food systems; narratives and advocacy; true cost and true value of food, accessibility and affordability of food; as well as diversity of food systems.

Divergent views included: 1) labelling the actual cost of food (in relation to health effects, carbon foot print) to inform consumers of what they are buying 2) use of words to describe what is appealing and attractive to youth

Youth are losing their cultural identity because of the food system (marketing of fast food, “traditional food is for older persons”, shift in nutritional preferences) so efforts are needed to reconnect youth to their culture through food - and provide economically rewarding/ viable income to incentivize youth to be involved in the food system. Changing the narrative around the idea that food is not a commodity; it defines social interaction, brings people together culture, cultivates our relationship to the land. We need to speak about food from different perspectives including: “The fo... Read moreod system as a social determinant of health” “Farming is rewarding” “Food sovereignty and decolonization of food systems” “Food access as a human right” “Food as a public good” “The land is the chief, we are the servants” “Local food is a bridge between culture and food supply chain” “One island economies” - every island should strive to be food self-sufficient even if the main industry is tourism. Food systems need to be linked to tourism to benefit the tourism industry and the food production sector simultaneously. Indigenous groups have knowledge on food systems that can result in equity, food security, sustainability and environmental protection. Indigenous farmers need to have access to resources and opportunities to increase their cultural prominence. Traditions should be revived but can have a modern twist. Empowering communities to take the lead is the key to a social movement - change will not be sustained through academia, non-profit institutions, and government. Educate families and communities to improve food access in backyards, urban gardens, vertical gardens, coastal areas/food sources. Educating the public through popular media like reality cooking shows on television, soap operas and other forms of entertainment are proven to have impact and can bring about changes in behaviour and attitudes because they are enjoyable and restore pride in local cuisine. Communication campaigns including social campaigns, are needed to counteract the fast food marketing with promotion of fresh and locally produced food that is properly labelled. At the global level Indigenous and intergenerational knowledge about food will result in eating healthier, food security and environmental protection. Sustained advocacy for the preservation of indigenous knowledge around food is very important and should be done as a global effort of island communities. Investing in women results in investments in the community. Women play an important role in agriculture and aquaculture.They also make sure that healthy food is on the table. They share information about opportunities and resources that people can access to grow food, making them valuable educators within the community. It is important to mobilize resources to support initiatives for women empowerment and engagement in food systems. Read less

Why we need to act urgently To date, most island states and territories rely almost completely on imported food (up to 90%). Historical drivers of import-dependent food systems in islands include colonization, militarization, rapid development, industrialization, urbanization and westernization of diets. Small and indigenous farmers and producers of food are the hungriest, the poorest and the most malnourished. Progressive devaluation of indigenous food culture and practices impacts negatively on youth translating into loss of identity - and consequently the loss of purpose -- resulting in dis... Read moreproportionately higher rates of delinquency, substance abuse, and criminality. Unhealthy food is an underlying factor in the NCD crisis in islands where diabetes, obesity, and hypertension cause the highest premature death rates in the world. Food is not just a commodity, but a public good. Access to healthy food is a human right. Indigenous knowledge and practices around food production is the key to equity, sustainable food production, food security, and environmental protection in island settings. What we need to do together Island states, nations, and territories around the world must work together to protect and promote indigenous knowledge, wisdom and practices on food systems. ACTION POINT: Sustained dialogue and advocacy for preservation of indigenous knowledge on food must continue through existing and new networks that foster collaboration for sustainable island food systems throughout the world. How we will do it Comprehensive approaches/strategies that engage all sectors (i.e. agriculture and environment; production and farming; delivery and processing; marking, distribution and purchasing; consumption and waste; etc.) are essential for change. Honing in on a social movement was recommended to transform a food system that is unsustainable and has negative health impacts. A whole-of-society approach is needed. A social movement will restore, rediscover, revive and reconnect people with their food heritage. A concrete example: the Pacific Island Food Revolution, a reality television cooking show featuring local cuisine of the South Pacific was effective, entertaining and showed evidence of impact in consumption patterns of participants and viewers. ACTION POINT: It is proposed that the successful reality television show, “Pacific Island Food Revolution” be expanded to include Guam and Hawai‘i as well as other island groups. Supporting local farmers is of critical importance. Oftentimes they are unable to access grants or other forms of support as funding support is directed toward a scale that cannot be achieved on islands. Farm-to-school programs in Hawai‘i are good models to integrate farming and education for children and adolescents. ACTION POINT: Prioritize the opening of funding tracks to support indigenous and small farmers in island settings as well as farm-to-school initiatives. Research and data generation to sustain policies and programs that enhance cultural approaches to food systems require data systems, but these must belong to communities who should own and use data for their own informed decision-making. ACTION POINT: Create information systems to identify problems and promote solutions for food insecurity in island settings. Opportunities should be available for youth to derive substantive income from working in food systems. Young people are already driving initiatives on organic food, climate and the environment. Their engagement in food systems - production, cooking and sharing --- provides additional opportunities to converge solutions that are community specific and sustainable. ACTION POINT: Collaborate across island states and nations to adapt the “one-island economy” model in the Philippines to engage youth in farming that is profitable and appealing. Who the key actors are There are several key actions within the food system that need to be engaged, however, here are some of the priority actors that emerged from the dialogue session: Youth are key to a sustainable food system. They must be engaged in ways that are economically viable through education and job training. Women play a key role in food production but also in ensuring that food on the table is healthy. Chefs play an important role in promoting locally produced food and healthier dishes in popular and enjoyable ways. Teachers are key to education. Celebrities and artists play an important role in influencing consumption patterns. Lawyers are needed to revisit regulatory regimes that do not support small farmers. Others: Social entrepreneurs, academia, urban planners, farmers and producers, financial policy planners, climate advocates, health professionals Read less

Healthier islands through sustainable food systems seeks to underscore the convergence of food systems, health and culture through the forward looking statement: “Honoring culturally-appropriate, diverse and inclusive approaches to transformation from import dependent food systems in islands toward self-sufficient, climate-resilient and equity enhancing island food systems that emphasize the importance of community-based food security interventions and advocating for food self-sufficiency within every island.” Changing the narrative on food systems and health in island settings was a major... Read more focus of the dialogue. Culture is a critical component of food systems change due to the centrality of food in the customs and traditions of people. Reframing of the way we speak about food was captured in key statements of participants, “food is not a commodity; it defines social interaction”, “food brings people together through culture”, “food security cannot be realized without land ownership of indigenous farmers”, the land is the chief and we are the servants”, “diabetes and non-communicable diseases are social problems”, the food system is a social determinant of health,” “farming is rewarding”, “food is a public good,” “local food is the bridge between culture and the food supply chain.” Small island nations, states, territories and areas around the world are estimated to have a combined population of more than 63 million people. These island populations own a rich heritage of indigenous wisdom and knowledge on sustainability. Throughout centuries these island populations have been self-sufficient in food production and have proven to be resilient. Today, island communities face dire conditions related to economic, social and educational policies and conditions that do not optimize the potential of cultural heritage or diverse natural resources of land and sea. Today, island food systems are characterized by import dependence, lack of support for local production and small farmers, and health inequity linked to food insecurity. Island communities face common and unique food security challenges related to geographic isolation, high vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters as well as profound socio-cultural displacement of indigenous knowledge and practices in food production that have been destroyed in the past century. COVID19 has unmasked severe health inequities in island populations as disruptions in food supply chains pushed many into poverty and hunger. Using indigenous knowledge, island communities have the power to use their own solutions to address food insecurity. Bringing families and communities together to connect over food and identity is critical to revival and pride in one’s culture. Bringing people and communities to connect with the ‘aina (land) and caring for the land is also an important cultural practice. Individuals need to remind each other that what we eat, how we prepare our food, how we eat, how we share our food -- are all facets of who we are. Our identity is linked to food systems. Therefore food systems must be culturally appropriate. Bringing together various stakeholders will be essential to think through these strategies and come to a consensus as to action steps for the coming years. Read less