The Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme of the United Nations’ 10-Year Framework on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) has endorsed the Organic Food System Programme (OFSP) as one of its eight Core Initiatives. Organic food systems are posed as a model for sustainability, and they can serve as living laboratories for continued learning and improvement, integrating science and research with real-world examples. With its partner organizations and involved individuals on all continents, the Organic Food System Programme helps share the benefits of organic practices with interested initiatives and across all of society.
The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) contributes to the goals of the Organic Food System Programme with its broad expertise from basic research to extension services. "The Organic Food System Programme is a great opportunity to contribute together with key institutions around the world to more sustainable food systems, building on the case of organic agriculture", says Adrian Müller, FiBL scientist and expert on modelling of global land use and global food systems. "The Organic Food System Programme provides a space for visionary and critical thought and exchange that is crucial for working towards this goal."
As a prominent example and manifestation of Organic 3.0, the Organic Food System Programme brings organic out of its current niche into the mainstream, and positions organic systems as part of the multiple solutions needed to solve the tremendous challenges faced by our planet and our species. The Organic Food System Programme’s contribution to the UN-10YFP is structured through its commitment to eight concrete deliverables over the next five years, combining scientific study with practical implementation that spreads healthy consumption patterns and ecologically sound production systems around the planet.
Organic food system as model and living laboratory
David Gould, programme facilitator at IFOAM – Organics International says: "We need to change the thinking from food chain to food system. More people need to be aware of the connection between farming and eating, and – together with more institutions – play an active role in bringing healthy food to the table. They should be enabled to make informed choices and incentivize better practices."
Jostein Hertwig, member of the steering committee and CEO of BERAS International in Sweden adds: "The real potential of the Organic Food System Programme flows from the close interrelations and processes between scientists, actors in the food chain, NGOs and authorities, in working together for practical implementation at local levels. Starting with the dedicated networks of FQH - Food Quality and Health, IFOAM – Organics International, and BERAS, this in an invitation for others also to join."
The Organic Food System Programme is comprised of a growing number of partner organisations and individuals seeking to transform communities toward true sustainability based on regenerative production practices, healthy diets and sustainable lifestyles. By aligning with its like-minded initiatives of the 10YFP’s Sustainable Food Systems Programme, new opportunities for synergy and positive impact are on the rise. The Organic Food System Programme welcomes more collaboration. Specifics are detailed on their website below.
Further information
Contact
Adrian Müller, FiBL Switzerland
Links
organicfoodsystem.net: Website of the Organic Food System Programme (OFSP)