FOODCastS Episode 1: How do we get to a healthy and sustainable food system?

Motivations behind the food system enthusiasts

Our debut discussion gets personal — exploring what motivates our guests to do the work they do.

• Aniek Hebinck is drawn to the intersectionality of food systems, a field where global, individual, environmental, and social factors collide. Despite focusing more on biodiversity and ecosystems recently, her passion remains unchanged.
• Million Belay’s journey began with sustainable agriculture, eventually expanding to global food system dialogues, driven by the decolonization movement to bring grassroots organizations into larger conversations.
• As for Hugo De Vries, he believes that food as a primary human need is undervalued and deserving of a collective, system-wide examination.

🧭Why the need for a change?

The conversation shifts to why fundamental changes in our food systems are necessary. Aniek Hebinck highlights the need to overcome deep-seated resistance and the dominance of economic considerations over food security and environmental needs. Million Belay points out the dangers of global dialogues overlooking localized necessities, stressing the need for changes at the company level to truly transform food systems. Hugo de Vries supports the notion of diversified, place-sensitive solutions, a sentiment echoed by the UN Food Systems Summit’s inclusive approach.

Navigating systemic challenges

Our panelists recognize current progress and remaining systemic challenges. Aniek Hebinck mentions the advancement in integrating diverse actors in research, although she argues for long-term engagements to institutionalize knowledge. Million and Hugo acknowledge that despite progress in narratives and partnerships, the tangible impact on societal and planetary indicators remains uncertain. Each speaker calls for a recalibration of power relationships within food systems, empowering local movements to reclaim narratives around food.

🌱What gives hope?

As we look to the future, Aniek Hebinck draws hope from communities practicing food sovereignty and balancing economic activity within environmental limits. On the other hand, Million Belay sees potential in ecological strategies embraced by African nations and the collapse of unsustainable globalization patterns. Finally, Hugo de Vries remains optimistic about grassroots dynamics gaining momentum and environmental awareness fostering change in consumption behaviors.

In wrapping up this rich discussion, our panelists underscore the necessity of creativity, communal effort, and accepting boundaries within food systems to ensure a sustainable future. With the hope expressed by each guest, there is a shared determination that despite challenges, progress is both possible and essential.