White Paper on Sustainable Food: for a food system that matches the needs of the planet 

Diet is much more than just food. It is industry, cities, health, terrestrial ecosystems, climate, education, employment, equality, etc. This multi-dimensional aspect of food is precisely what makes it a strategic axis capable of addressing all levels of sustainability. 

The food system is the key to reconciling food and nature in a way that is both planet-friendly and able to provide healthy, affordable and equitable food to billions of people. One of the initiatives that seeks to reconcile these two fundamental elements is the White Paper on Sustainable Food in Spain: global approach and specific measures, which was published at the beginning of March this year. 

Valuable insight into what sustainable food can achieve 

The publication by the Fundación Alternativas and the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation began to be drawn up in 2019. It consists of thirteen thematic chapters that bring together the opinions of various experts and identify, discuss and propose a series of measures that decision makers can implement in the transition to a sustainable food system. Aspects that guarantee food security and nutrition for all, so that the economic, social and environmental bases of future generations are not compromised. 

The roadmap is the result of the participation of over fifty researchers and professionals from the third sector and is intended as a starting point to jointly build a sustainable food system that leaves nobody behind. It is, in other words, a compilation of feasible measures for the transformation we need. 

Agents of change: public policies, public-private partnerships and informed citizenship 

“The transition to a sustainable food system requires a collective approach”, argue Diego López Garrido and José Luis de la Cruz Leiva of Fundación Alternativas. For this reason, the key to triggering change is for the various administrations to be fully aware of the measures that can be taken to add their contribution. The role of public policies is decisive. Otherwise, it will not be possible to change the course of food systems. 

Nor will it be possible without the development of public-private partnerships and cooperation. It is a path that, according to experts, we will have to follow. “Doing it through the partnerships and cooperation of all agents and territories will make a difference in time. And time is short. It’s time to act!” says Isabelle Le Galo, Director of the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation in Spain. 

And as citizens we also have our role to play. The authors of the research insist that the ultimate change will take place when citizens are well informed and able to make conscious consumption decisions, adopting an active role in the transition, making use of the necessary information from an early age and practising sustainable eating habits in school canteens. 

Are you interested in contributing to the change from your area? Download the book to discover how we will build a food system that matches the needs of the planet.