For each other

"So, what do you guys think of this cruesli?" I ask the kids. Now that (certain) shelves in the supermarket are empty, we move on to other brands than the ones we prefer. Flexible as we are, we are constantly looking for alternatives. Is it rice gone? Then we take quinoa. No endive? So we' ll eat carrots instead. No yogurt? Then quark. No quark either? Then, uh...

The food system has to change. We've heard that quite a few times in recent years. But this corona crisis is pushing us hard. We have to speed it up. It has to be more honest for the farmer, more efficient, cleaner and more energy efficient at the food manufacturers, and more transparent throughout the chain. And more sustainable, of course, because the earth is overburdened and demand is increasing. Climate change is making it difficult, due to extreme heat, drought and/or floods, to scale up production, which is precisely what is needed to provide the growing world population with sufficient food. When it comes to 'the future of our food', the question is often asked: agriculture or laboratory? But are they opposed to each other? I think one cannot do without the other. Innovations are needed to achieve all the objectives. 

In any case, the call for shortening of the food chain has gained a lot of support as countries around the world close their borders. How useful is it to transport so many ingredients (and people, but that's another discussion) all over the world? Are there no good alternatives available closer to home, for example for soy; just as rich in protein and cultivable in the European climate?

"Hmm, different", is the conclusion of my teenagers (confined to their homes and sometimes fighting each other), about the cruesli. "A little less tasty maybe, but quite enjoyable. I'm actually already used to it." I could cuddle them. Of course this is an idiotic luxury problem, but the remark testifies to positivism and adaptability.

It's in the nature of humans to come up with solutions when problems arise. Right now we see how creative everyone is. Left and right, people and companies extend a helping hand to each other. Special initiatives are popping up everywhere. We are all in the same boat and trying to keep our heads above water. One cannot do without the other. Work together; we need each other.

Judith Witte