The urgency of food system transformation is now irrefutable

Webb, Patrick; Benton, Tim G.; Beddington, J. R.; Flynn, Derek; Kelly, Niamh; Thomas, Sandy M

doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00161-0

Cited by 125 publications

(74 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The need for food systems transformation is broadly acknowledged ( Caron et al, 2018 ; Fanzo, 2021 ; Fanzo and Davis, 2019 ; HLPE, 2020 ; Rockström et al, 2020 ; Webb et al, 2020 ; Willett et al, 2019 ). Design of integrated food policies is considered a key step for the navigation of food system transformation ( Candel and Pereira, 2017 ; Galli et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems

Hebinck

Zurek

Achterbosch

et al. 2021

Global Food Security

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Growing acknowledgement that food systems require transformation, demands comprehensive sustainability assessments that can support decision-making and sustainability governance. To do so, assessment frameworks must be able to make trade-offs and synergies visible and allow for inclusive negotiation on food system outcomes relevant to diverse food system actors. This paper reviews literature and frameworks and builds on stakeholder input to present a Sustainability Compass made up of a comprehensive set of metrics for food system assessments. The Compass defines sustainability scores for four societal goals, underpinned by areas of concern. We demonstrate proof of concept of the operationalization of the approach and its metrics. The Sustainability Compass is able to generate comprehensive food system insights that enables reflexive evaluation and multi-actor negotiation for policy making.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems

Hebinck

Zurek

Achterbosch

et al. 2021

Global Food Security

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“…The unsustainability of current agricultural practices and dominant agri-food system configurations is a central issue in relation to climate change, ecological degradation, and growing socio-economic inequalities at both global and local levels [1][2][3][4]. In this context, calls for a radical transformation of food production practices on the basis of ecological processes are becoming increasingly common [5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overcoming the Barriers to Entry of Newcomer Sustainable Farmers: Insights from the Emergence of Organic Clusters in Japan

Zollet

Maharjan

2021

Sustainability

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The growing concern for sustainability in agri-food systems and the parallel decrease in the number of people engaged in agriculture, especially in the Global North, is starting to draw attention to new entrant farmers from non-farming backgrounds (“newcomer” farmers). Newcomers, however, especially if interested in sustainable agriculture, face considerable barriers to entry, and their support needs are often not adequately met by conventional agricultural institutions and support structures. Several studies have highlighted the importance of formal and informal farmer-to-farmer networks and communities of practice for newcomers to receive support, but such networks are usually geographically dispersed. Dynamics of spatial clustering of sustainable farmers, on the other hand, have so far received less attention, particularly in relation to their role in supporting the establishment of newcomers. This study examines the barriers to entry faced by newcomer organic farmers in Japan and the relevance of geographically proximate “clusters” of organic farmers to address such barriers. The results highlight the environmental and social factors that can facilitate the formation of organic clusters in the first place, and how spatial proximity facilitates different forms of cooperation among newcomers. The paper concludes by discussing the potential role of clusters in scaling sustainable agri-food practices.

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“…A recent commentary ( 11 ) identified some of the priority actions that are critical for the transition of food systems towards sustainable, healthy diets ( Figure 2 ). These policy questions are divided into 4 domains: availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability.…”

Section: Food Systems: From Evidence To Actionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transforming Food Systems: The Missing Pieces Needed to Make Them Work

Kennedy

Webb

Block

et al. 2021

Current Developments in Nutrition

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Food systems lie squarely at the intersection of several overarching goals of the UN and member states, as embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals, including eliminating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in all its forms, achieving good health and well-being, while promoting environmental sustainability. The need for radical transformation of current food systems is inescapable if the world is to achieve one, let alone all, of these goals. Meeting this challenge will inevitably be disruptive to current food systems, carry costs, and be politically onerous. But the projected benefits far outweigh these difficulties. This commentary spells out the complexity of issues that need to be tackled to design and implement food systems that improve diets, nutrition, and health in an equitable fashion, while simultaneously respecting planetary boundaries. Six critical domains are identified that must be addressed for the successful transformation of food systems: 1) reinvent agriculture, 2) transform food environments for healthy diets, 3) mitigate climate change, 4) productively engage the private sector, 5) influence public policy priorities, and 6) establish true cost accounting of food. Because science is crucial for each of these domains, a research-driven strategy, emphasizing a collaborative process, is outlined. Bold, new, but technically and politically feasible actions are needed to effectively transform current food systems.

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The urgency of food system transformation is now irrefutable

Cited by 125 publications

References 10 publications

A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems

A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems

Overcoming the Barriers to Entry of Newcomer Sustainable Farmers: Insights from the Emergence of Organic Clusters in Japan

Transforming Food Systems: The Missing Pieces Needed to Make Them Work

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