International seminar “Intersectoral complexity of the global food system”

Seminar abstract and speakers

Driven by multiple factors, most importantly the increasing food demand, agro-food systems became more and more globalized. During the end of the last millennium, pushed by neoliberal economic policies, international trade in food commodities saw a marked acceleration, so that it is possible to speak about a “trade revolution”. Agro-food systems became more and more globally interconnected and interdependent in a complex way. First, such a complexity is manifested in tele-coupled effects, in which consequences of actions in a region can occur in other parts of the world. Second, this complexity involves a wide diversity of stakeholders and multiple sectors, as the dynamics of food production cannot be separated by the dynamics of several resources (e.g., water, energy, nutrients) and involves socio-economic and policy systems.

On the one hand, the global interconnectedness of agro-food systems improved food security in several parts of the world; on the other hand, this could lead to unintended consequences and unsustainable dynamics. This is why it is important to understand the complex trade-offs involved. Understanding such trade-offs and identifying levers for improvements mandatorily requires an interdisciplinary approach, in which multiple points of view are considered from different sectors.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide food for thought, giving an overview about different points of view on the global agro-food systems, involving different sectors and disciplines. By means of six invited speakers, the following themes will be explored: water-food nexus and human health (Maria Cristina Rulli), water grabbing (Davide Danilo Chiarelli), trade-offs related to water security, vulnerability, and iniquities (Paolo D’Odorico), global nitrogen fluxes (Gilles Billen), food losses and waste (Barbara Redlingshöfer), policy aspects (Eve Fouilleux). The presentations will show the complexity and the trade-offs related to the global agro-food systems from different perspectives. At the end of the seminar a final roundtable will explore specific questions regarding possible levers for agro-food systems sustainability.