How to transition to a Sustainable Food System in Finland?
The global food supply chain creates 26 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and is extremely resource intensive. Roughly one third of the food produced for human consumption gets lost or wasted annually. The intensive agricultural production affects the quality of the soil. The degradation of the habitats of fish also has dramatic impacts on fisheries. The list of challenges related to the food system could go on and on...
Currently, food systems are changing. Food production has a crucial role to play in decarbonizing the world at the same time as it needs to feed a growing global population. Practices such as low meat diets and a reduction of food waste are put forward. In addition, many (new) actors are experimenting innovative ways of producing food and developing alternative food products.
In this workshop, we will focus on the food system in Finland: Which solutions are suitable for the Finnish context? What are the challenges related to alternative food products and how can those be tackled? How can we build strong collaborations between actors toward a more sustainable food system?
Speakers include:
- Hanna Tuomisto, associate professor in sustainable food systems -The environmental impact of the current food system and directions towards a more sustainable system
- Maija Itkonen, CEO, Gold&Green Foods Ltd - The food that is changing the world
- Minna Huttunen, Senior officer, Food policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
The workshop is animated by Caroline Sundgren, doctoral researcher, Hanken School of Economics.
About the speakers:
Hanna Tuomisto is an associate professor in sustainable food systems. Her role involves development of new research projects and international collaborations related to sustainable food systems. Her expertise include life cycle assessment, sustainable farming systems, carbon footprint, cellular agriculture and novel foods.
Maija Itkonen is CEO and co-founder at Gold&Green Foods Ltd, the compagny that developed and sells oats and beans products, Pulled Oats®.
Minna Huttunen (PhD) is a senior officer at the food safety unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Her areas of work include pesticide residue legislation, nutrition in food policy and sustainability of food system including food waste reduction.