Fall Public Lecture 2016

Supplying sufficient high quality food to a growing global population is one of the key challenges of our time. Current food and farming systems, especially intensive high-input systems, are successful in delivering large volumes of food, however are increasingly questioned in regard to issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, farmer livelihoods, diet related diseases and persisting micronutrient deficiencies. There is a consensus that to address these challenges, both an advancement of existing farming practices as well as new approaches are needed. The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems dedicated its first thematic report to this topic. The report argues that building sustainable food systems requires a fundamental change, namely a shift towards diversified agroecological systems. The panel’s recommendations include developing new indicators for sustainable food systems, supporting alternative retail infrastructures, and shifting public support towards diversified agroecological production systems. Dr. Emile Frison will present the findings of the report, highlighting the recommendations and leverage points identified, as well as exploring the direction organic agriculture needs to develop in the future to align with this.

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