For many of us, it may be difficult to relate to the fact that approx. 8 percent of the world’s population are undernourished, or in other words: for every 12 persons one is starving. This is grotesque considering that about one third of all the food produced is wasted - corresponding to an amount of 1 billion (1 thousand milliards) euros a year.

At the same time, an increasing number of people struggle with food challenges of a completely different kind. More and more people experience health problems with overweight caused by lifestyle and wrong or one-sided diets. Actually, our diets have become so one-sided that 60 % of our energy come from only three plant species: rice, maize and wheat.

The world’s population is continually increasing and so is the need for foods. However, many of the methods used today to produce food, have a significant and unnecessary impact on the climate and the environment. Worldwide, it is estimated that agriculture and food production account for up to 30 % of the total human-induced GHG emissions.

At the same time, human utilization of natural resources is one of the main sources for a global biodiversity crisis leaving about 1 million plant and animal species threatened by extinction.

Complex problems and a need for new knowledge

It is nothing new that several major problems are related to the production and consumption of foods. Nor is it a surprise that significant knowledge is required to solve these complex problems within the food sector.

In the years to come, the EU will implement a new framework programme for research, Horizon Europe. This programme will provide input for policies as well as technological innovation, which may help develop European food production and consumption.

It is, however, important to find cohesive solutions across the various problems. We need to implement sustainable food production systems that consider the climate and environment, and – at the same time – ensure just and equal conditions of life – ”a safe and just operating space”. This is the main message in a new foresight report prepared by a group of experts appointed by the EU Commission’s Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR).

Three transitions

In the report, the experts point out three ”transitions” (major and fundamental changes), which Europe will have to go through:

1. All humans should have access to nutritious, healthy and sustainable diets
2. Circularity must be implemented at all levels to help reduce the huge consumption of resources in both production and use of foods
3. Diversity must be a focal point in both food consumption, cultivation and food systems

The report examines the complex problems that underlie the challenges in these three areas, and point out that it is very essential to view the problems as a whole.

It makes no sense to focus on climate challenges without considering e.g. biodiversity or the possibility of producing healthy foods in sufficient quantities.

Need for ”monumental” efforts

According to the report, there is a significant need for “monumental” efforts in order to implement the transitions. This will make huge transition efforts for both companies, farmers, consumers/citizens, and political decision-makers.

The expert group’s task was to define the framework for research and development paths. The paths should take us to a “safe and just operating space”. The vision is that society obtains the necessary knowledge to create the framework for a robust and sustainable food production that considers citizens, farmers, companies as well as natural resources and the climate.