The food system needs to be fundamentally transformed in light of the harmful effects on climate, environment, animals and humans. A multitude of (niche) innovations and pioneers show how a food system can succeed on a small scale in a sustainable, healthy and climate-friendly way in harmony with planetary boundaries. If these niches were to enter the mainstream, transformational theories suggest that the shift towards a sustainable food system can be accelerated.
The aim of the project is to support associations and organizations by providing comprehensive and scientifically sound information and additional (educational) materials on innovative approaches to transforming the food system. This is intended to promote the implementation of niche innovations and the public awareness and commitment of broad sections of the population to environmental protection and nature conservation. The materials produced are also intended to serve as a resource for associations and organizations to use to inform the general public and their respective target groups about them, thus enabling them to fulfill their advisory and educational tasks. All available materials are free of charge.
Building on the knowledge gained in the previous projects "TransfErn", "NEuropa - Food system niches in Europe" and the "Food System Change Online Congress", the project aims to take the next step towards establishing transformative niche innovations. In this project, therefore, the acquired reach and momentum of the previous projects will now be used to actively encourage all interested parties to implement their own sustainable initiatives by providing a wide range of information and educational material. For this purpose, the knowledge gained during the congress, especially with regard to obstacles to implementation, will be specifically evaluated and elaborated in order to prepare the broad implementation of the presented niches as well as to point out possibilities for action and funding for political decision-makers. Furthermore, an innovative resource pool with comprehensive information packages on the topics "Access to land", "Social aspects" and "Regional networks and food products" will be developed. These three information packages are modular in structure and include topic-specific information, instructions on how to implement certain niches, concrete possibilities for action and implementation as well as additional (educational) materials. The individual modules are aimed at up to five different target groups: Consumers, farmers, educational actors, actors in community catering and gastronomy as well as political decision-makers. The material to be produced is intended to enable them to implement niche innovations themselves or to promote them in a targeted manner by means of simple instructions, information and contacts. This broad approach should accelerate the overcoming of hurdles and the practical implementation of niche projects and thus contribute to a sustainable food system.
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Funded by
This project was funded by the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. The funds are made available by resolution of the German Bundestag.
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Duration
04/2022 - 03/2024