Sustainable food system: the power of unlearning

Biodiversity loss and climate change are pressuring the Dutch food system to become more sustainable. Innovations and new technologies are often seen as solutions, but they do not always replace their unsustainable predecessors. Consequently, the food system remains unsustainable despite efforts.

A study by Universiteit Utrecht focuses on directly addressing unsustainability, with the concept of "unlearning" at its core. Unlearning involves letting go of specific skills, practices, and beliefs that maintain unsustainability.

Unlearning in practice

The dissertation examines how unlearning processes unfold in practice, with a focus on community-supported agriculture. In these initiatives, consumers and producers collaborate on local food, enabling a fundamental rethinking of the food system. This includes how food is produced, by whom, and who is responsible for a sustainable transformation. Additionally, the study explores how unlearning can be facilitated in vocational agricultural education, where teachers play a key role as "unlearning facilitators."

Role of teachers

Teachers can inspire and support individuals in unlearning unsustainable practices and mindsets. This is essential for a sustainable transition of the food system. The dissertation presents nine propositions on unlearning for sustainability transition studies and suggests directions for future research. By embracing the concept of unlearning, the Dutch food system can more effectively become sustainable and contribute to solving urgent issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

Uu.nl