As an expert in the field of sustainable food systems, I have seen firsthand the importance of creating a system that balances economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Thanks to a grant from the work team of the Conference on Food Systems and Public Health of the W, we were able to develop a set of principles that promote the current and future health of individuals, communities, and the natural environment. There are many definitions of sustainable development, but they all share the common belief that true sustainability must consider all three dimensions. At our organization, we are committed to supporting socially, economically, and ecologically sustainable food systems. This means promoting characteristics that are not only beneficial for our health, but also for the environment and society as a whole. A healthy and sustainable food system is one that recognizes and strengthens the interdependent relationships between all sectors involved in food production, from farm to table.
This includes not only the production process itself, but also waste disposal and everything in between. We believe that these relationships are inseparable and must be taken into account when creating a sustainable food system. In its Global Food Security Strategy, the FAO defines agriculture and food systems as a complete unit composed of interrelated components such as people, behaviors, relationships, and material goods. These components work together in the production, processing, packaging, transport, trade, marketing, consumption, and use of food products. This includes not only traditional forms of agriculture, but also aquaculture, wild fishing, forestry, and grazing. Furthermore, the FAO describes a sustainable food system as one that provides food security and nutrition for all without compromising the ability to do so for future generations.
This means taking into account not only economic factors, but also social and environmental ones. The food and agriculture system operates within and is influenced by social, political, economic, and environmental contexts. For the first time, national leaders from the nursing, nutrition, planning, and public health professions came together to create a shared platform for changing food policies across systems. This collaboration has been crucial in promoting sustainable food systems and ensuring that all sectors are working towards the same goal. At the Department of Agriculture, we are committed to working with partners and stakeholders to achieve the sustainability of diverse agricultural, forestry, and rangeland systems. This means not only focusing on traditional forms of agriculture, but also considering other forms such as agroforestry and agroecology. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines food systems as encompassing the full range of actors and their interrelated value-added activities related to food production.
This includes not only the production process itself, but also aggregation, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. These activities are all interconnected and must be taken into account when creating a sustainable food system. A sustainable food system is a collaborative network that integrates several components to improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of a community. This means not only considering the impact on the environment and society, but also ensuring that economic factors are balanced. By working together with various organizations related to health, nutrition, and planning, we can create a more cohesive and sustainable food system for all.
