Welcome to the third blog post in our series on sustainable development and food security. In this series, we delve into the intricate relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pressing issue of food security. 

When examining agriculture, it's imperative to adopt a comprehensive perspective that encompasses not only science and technology but also its intersections with politics, economics, and policies. In this blog post, we will explore the complexities of organic farming within the European Union (EU) since 2012, acknowledging both its potential benefits and challenges. We will also address the valid concern raised about the assumption that 'organic agriculture' is inherently good or sustainable, emphasizing the importance of practices that truly prioritize sustainability.

Welcome to the second blog post in our series on the interconnections between food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this post, we take a critical look at the limitations of the SDGs in addressing the complexities of food sustainability and security. The United Nations' SDGs were adopted in 2015 as a global framework to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

Welcome to our blog post series on sustainable development and food security. In this series, we will explore the interconnections between food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By understanding these linkages, we can work towards achieving a more sustainable and food-secure world. The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015^1,2, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The living lab in Alto Minho focuses on public school canteens, whose purpose is to promote the transition to healthier and more sustainable food consumption and production habits. Aiming to have a clearer picture of the approach undertaken in Alto Minho’s schools on food-related topics, CIM Alto Minho and IPVC carried out a baseline diagnosis targeting both Alto Minho municipalities and their school groups. 

In Rotterdam, but also in other Dutch cities, food supply in public spaces has increased sharply in the past 15 years and the share of (unhealthy) fast food has grown strongly. Since 2004, the fast food share in Rotterdam has grown by 46%¹. This increase is greatest in neighborhoods with a low socio-economic score. While tax and VAT regulations are part of a wider national campaign for healthy food, excluding new fast food and snack restaurants in certain areas is legally more complex and requires coordinated and targeted actions by individual municipalities.  

Europeans are facing unprecedented challenges because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns, the increased cost of living, geopolitical tensions (particularly the war in Ukraine) and environmental pressures (severe heat, drought, wildfires, floods, etc.).  These challenges have knock-on effects on the availability and affordability of food for most Europeans, including healthier and more sustainable options.