Symposium prompts food system change

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) recently organized the symposium "The environmental impact of food systems," where nearly 600 participants reflected together on a new design of our food system. Researcher Hannah van Zanten highlighted the flaws of our current food system and called for major changes, such as eating less meat, preventing waste and making the food system circular.

At the end of the symposium, panelists, speakers and other attendees joined a consortium that aims to lead the transition to a sustainable food system in the coming years. They are submitting a grant application to the European Union to do so. Presentations covered topics such as individual consumer contributions, the role of food from the sea, and a route to an eco-label on products.

The symposium generated many questions and critical voices. Concerns were raised about the unruly reality in which change must occur and how politics can be encouraged to drive change from the top down.

The panel discussed the role of young people, the need for a change in how we view animals and food, and the importance of education. The new consortium already has more than 90 participating parties.

Wur.nl