Exploring sustainable local food systems
In partnership with Bachsermärt, the Center offered the excursion “Sustainable local food systems” in April, where ETH students the explored regional food networks in Zurich.
A group of ETH Bachelor students met early in the morning of 13 April to spend the day learning about “Sustainable local food systems.” The students were taking part in the World Food System excursion, led by WFSC Executive Director Martijn Sonnevelt, in partnership with Patrick Honauer and other partners of Bachsermärt, a market chain carrying regional and seasonal products. The aim of Bachsermärt is to develop sustainable regional food networks linking producers form around the city with consumers in cities.
Regional food systems confront the challenges of high expectations of consumers, high costs for logistics, and only a limited potential for economies of scale. By looking at the Bachsermärt as a case study, the students learned that strong commitment is needed from all actors involved to build sustainable regional food networks, as these networks must compete against the existing, functioning globalized food systems to succeed. For example, that is Bachsermärt why is a chain of shops, allowing a movement aimed at raising awareness and motivating people to get involved.
We thank Patrick Honauer at the Bachsermärt for his support in the educational excursion.