Growing, nurturing and preserving together is the motto of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the occasion of World Food Day, which has been commemorated every October 16 since 1979. It is in fact one of the first international dates set by the UN. Because food, as a basic component for the survival of humanity, is a matter of great importance that we do not always value in the same way.
According to FAO data, it is estimated that 900 million people in the world are overweight or obese. Also based on data from this international body, in 2020 some 811 million people suffered starvation. In addition, 41 million people are at risk of famine. In other words, imbalances among the planet’s population are forged around access to food. In some cases by excess and in others, unfortunately, by lacking. Also remember that 14% of food is lost in the food chain and 17% in the link that affects the final consumer.
What is clear is that the diet of developed societies has displaced the healthy diet for other, faster and less nutritious ways of eating. The positive thing is that, at the same time social awareness is growing around healthy eating and not generating residue. Many societies in developed countries are aware that a good diet is the best way to prevent many diseases. Most importantly, it contributes to the sustainability of the planet.
The way we eat has also affected agriculture. According to UN data, the human diet has usually had 6,000 plants or types of crops. But current demand has reduced biodiversity in this regard, as nine crops account for 66% of total crop production on the entire planet.
However, both food and its connection to sustainable agriculture make up the 2nd Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030. The second SGD is to ‘end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’.
That is why it is so important to work, each from their own field, towards that goal. It is complex to achieve but it is essential for everyone’s future and it goes through several goals.
GOALS TO BE REACHED
- Support small farmers, that small-scale agriculture that is so important for the survival of many people in many countries.
- Ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices, to increase productivity, contribute to the maintenance of ecosystems, adapt to climate change and progressively improve the quality of land and soil.
- Maintain and care for the genetic diversity of seeds and crops.
