Avenir Alimentaire
On the one hand, the global food system is dependent on globally functioning ecosystems and stable supply chains, but on the other hand it contributes to jeopardising these foundations. It is responsible for around 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is a key factor in the loss of biodiversity.
In order to counteract this development quickly and effectively, the players in the food system must work together to find solutions that combine ecological, social and economic interests in the long term. We are driving this process forward with our Avenir Alimentaire project.
In the current project phase, we are focussing on three areas of activity:
Strengthening sustainable and fair value chains
We network stakeholders from agriculture, processing and trade and harmonise their needs. Cooperation along the value chain is promoted in order to show how sustainable changes can become economically viable and attractive for everyone by means of jointly developed pilot projects.
Strengthening future-oriented demand and healthy nutrition
We critically develop a Planetary Health Diet adapted to Switzerland and implement it – in the interests of healthy nutrition for people and the planet. We promote sustainable food environments and culinary practices in system and community catering, retail and households, with the involvement of cities and communities. In this way, we empower consumers to make healthy choices around nutrition and to relearn sustainable culinary practices with pleasure and simplicity. We pay particular attention to the consideration of true costs.
Strengthening dialogue and common understanding
We bring all stakeholders together, from agriculture to consumers, and accelerate the cultural shift towards enjoyable, sustainable nutrition. Dialogues promote understanding of the respective needs and thus build mutual trust. A shared vision for a food system of the future is created so that scientifically sound and consensus-based solutions can be brought to society and politics.
Collective Action
In order to create a basis of trust between the stakeholders and facilitate solution-oriented dialogue, we work with the collective action approach. We are supported in this by Project Together. The non-profit organisation has many years of experience in implementing collective action in various subject areas and has initiated successful nationwide initiatives and collaborations in Germany, including in the area of food systems.
Scientific support
In close dialogue with a broad scientific community, we ensure that we develop projects and initiatives on a sound scientific basis and in line with the major levers. The basis for our activities is provided by the scientific guideline ‘Pathways to Switzerland’s future of food’ (available in German or French), whose recommendations are continuously compared with the needs of stakeholders from the field.
Financial support
The project is financed jointly by:
First national food system summit
On February 2nd, under the lead of SDSN, Switzerland’s first national food system summit took place. At the event with Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin the Scientific Panel Future of Food Switzerland has presented it’s guide ‘Pathways to Switzerland’s Future of Food‘ (available in German or French). Along with the recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Food Policy (available in German, French, and Italian), the guide was handed over to stakeholders in the food system, politics, and administration.
A video recording and further documents are to be found on the event page of the Food System Summit.