Food systems

FOOD SYSTEMS

Objectives

• Define the term "food system"
• List the interconnected parts
• Describe the concepts of food systems
• Demonstrate the complexity and interconnectedness of food system types
• Describe food systems as coupled human-natural systems

(Adapted by FAO)

Food systems: Definitions

A food system includes all the interdependent enterprises, institutions, activities and relationships that collectively develop and deliver inputs to the farming sector, produce primary commodities, and subsequently handle, process, transport, market and distribute food and other agro-based products to consumers.

A food system includes all the:

• processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population: growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption, and disposal of food and food-related items.
• inputs needed and outputs generated at each of these steps.

"the aggregate of food-related activities and the environments (political, socioeconomic, and natural) within which these activities occur."

(Pinstrup-Andersen and Watson, 2011)

Food systems: Types

A local food system refers to deliberately formed food systems that are characterized by “a close producer-consumer relationship within a designated place or local area”

(Hall & Gössling, 2016)

Global food system is dominated by a few multinational corporations through vertical integration. This is a very complex system with a long supply chain and it has a lot of processed foods.

Sustainable food system

A sustainable food system is one that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generation is not compromised.

This means that it is profitable throughout, ensuring economic sustainability, it has broad-based benefits for society, securing social sustainability, and that it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural resource environment, safeguarding the sustainability of the environment.

Food system wheel – elements and interactions

The Food System Wheel is a conceptual model that illustrates the various components and interactions within the food system. It highlights how different elements are interconnected and influence each other, ultimately affecting food security, sustainability, and public health. The main system consists of the level of activity that follows the flow of food products (production, collection, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste disposal) and the level of support services. The social component consists of organizational policies, applicable laws and regulations, socio-cultural norms, and infrastructure, and the natural elements consist of water, soil, climate, ecosystems, and genetics.

Info

Interconnected parts of food systems -Main system

Processing Involves transforming raw food materials into finished products, such as milling grains, canning fruits and vegetables, and packaging meat.

Distribution Encompasses the transportation, storage, and marketing of food products from producers to consumers.

Production Includes farming, ranching, fishing, and forestry, involving the cultivation, raising, and harvesting of food.

Food Disposal Involves the processes and methods used to manage food waste.

Food Consumption Encompasses the buying, preparing, and eating of food by individuals and households.

Knowledge

• humans
• machines
• resources

Inputs

Interconnected parts of food systems -level of support services

Extension Services: Provide farmers with education, resources, and technical assistance. Research and Development: Focus on improving crop yields, pest resistance, and sustainable practices. Financial Services: Access to credit, insurance, and subsidies to support farming activities. Infrastructure and Logistics:

• Transportation Networks: Efficient roads, railways, and ports for moving food products.
• Storage Facilities: Warehousing and cold storage to maintain food quality and reduce spoilage.
• Processing Plants: Facilities for transforming raw agricultural products into consumable goods.

Regulatory and Policy Frameworks, such as:

• Food Safety Standards: Ensuring the safety and quality of food products.
• Trade Policies: Regulations governing the import and export of food items.
• Environmental Regulations: Policies to promote sustainable farming and reduce environmental impact.

Market and Economic Services, such as:

• Market Information Systems: Provide data on prices, demand, and supply trends.
• Cooperatives and Farmer Associations: Help farmers gain better market access and bargaining power.
• Supply Chain Management: Coordinating the flow of goods from producers to consumers.

Social and Community Services, such as:

• Education and Training Programs: Improve skills and knowledge in agriculture and food-related sectors.
• Health Services: Addressing the nutritional needs and promoting healthy eating habits.
• Community Support Networks: Food banks, community kitchens, etc to ensure food access.

Interconnected parts of food systems - social component

Elements

• specific laws
• plans for climate change mitigation and global agreements
• agreements

The social component of food systems is essential for fostering sustainable, equitable, and resilient food practices. By engaging communities to plan for climate mitigation, honoring cultural traditions, and ensuring food security, we can build a food system that supports the well-being of all individuals.

Interconnected parts of food systems - natural elements

• Natural resources: land, soil, water, and genetic diversity
• Natural processes

By maintaining soil health, conserving water, protecting biodiversity, adapting to climate change, leveraging ecosystem services, and ensuring air quality, we can create resilient and productive food systems.

Quiz:Self-evaluation

click on circles, so as to give your answers

Question 1/5

Which of the following describes best what includes the food system?

The food system includes all the stages of food production

The food system includes all the operations between prosuction and consumption

The food system includes all the processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population

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Wrong!

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Question 2/5

Right!

Humans are part of the food system.

Right

Wrong

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Wrong!

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Question 3/5

Right!

Which of the following is NOT a component of the food system?

Entertainment

Production

Distribution

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Question 4/5

Right!

Describe the interconnected parts of food system: CHOOSE THE ONE THAT BETTER DESCRIBES...

Click on the number

A food system includes all processes and infrastructure of: growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption, and disposal of food and food-related items.

Food systems includes actors and interactions along the food value chain—from input supply and production of crops, livestock, fish, and other agricultural commodities to transportation, processing, retailing, wholesaling, and preparation of foods to consumption and disposal. It also include the enabling policy environments and cultural norms around food.

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Question 5/5

Right!

What role does governance play in the food system?

It only concerns food disposal

It regulates policies and economics influencing food production

Wrong!

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Results

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Bibliography

01

http://www.fao.org/climate-smart-agriculture-sourcebook/production-resources/module-b10-value-chains/chapter-b10-2/en/

02

http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Intro_Food_Systems.pdf

03

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/local-food-systems

04

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/food-systems-southeast-asia/0/steps/83749

05

https://www.ifpri.org/topic/food-systems

Types of Food Production:

Agriculture: Crops: This section pertains to the cultivation of plants for human consumption, such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Livestock: In this category, animals are raised for the production of meat, dairy, eggs, and other related products. Aquaculture: Fish Farming: This practice involves the controlled cultivation of fish in specific environments. Shellfish and Algae: This segment focuses on the cultivation of aquatic plants and shellfish. Fisheries: Wild Capture: This aspect involves the harvesting of fish and seafood from natural water bodies.

Key Aspects: Dietary Patterns: Variability: Cultural, regional, and personal preferences. Trends: Plant-based diets, organic foods, convenience foods. Nutritional Intake: Essential Nutrients: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Health Implications: Balancing caloric intake, preventing malnutrition and chronic diseases. Culinary Practices: Methods: Cooking, baking, frying, steaming, raw food diets. Innovations: Use of new kitchen technologies, recipes, and techniques. Food Accessibility: Factors: Economic status, geographic location, food deserts. Solutions: Food banks, community gardens, government programs.

Key Components: Transportation: Methods: Trucks, trains, ships, airplanes. Considerations: Refrigeration for perishable items, efficiency, and fuel consumption. Warehousing: Types: Cold storage, dry storage, automated warehouses. Functions: Maintaining inventory, ensuring food safety and quality. Supply Chain Management: Coordination between producers, distributors, and retailers. Use of technology: Inventory management systems, GPS tracking. Retail and Wholesale: Outlets: Supermarkets, local markets, online platforms. Challenges: Ensuring food safety, reducing food waste, meeting demand.

Food processing types

Primary processing methods involve the initial steps of converting raw agricultural products into consumable food items. Key Methods: Cleaning, Sorting and Grading, Milling Secondary processing methods involve transforming primary processed ingredients into finished food products. Key Methods: Baking, Fermenting, Canning, Freezing, Drying Advanced processing techniques utilize modern technology to enhance food quality, safety, and shelf life. Key Methods: High-Pressure Processing (HPP). Ultrasonic Processing