Consumers and Mediterranean diet: towards food systems transformation

​FAO; CIHEAM; UfM; PRIMA;

Consumers and Mediterranean diet: towards food systems transformation

Webinar outcomes, 26 January 2023

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 11p.

Author FAO; CIHEAM; UfM; PRIMA;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) During this webinar, organized by the SFS-MED Platform and held on 26 January 2023, stakeholders from across the Mediterranean shared experiences and successful cases from the consumer perspective, including on transparent information and consumer education and innovative pathways for sustainable public procurement. Panelists and speakers highlighted how consumers should be at the center of all elements of the food system, from food research to food production and procurement, as well as food industry, environments and marketing. The discussion was instrumental in demonstrating that empowering consumers to make informed food choices is key to enabling the transformation of Mediterranean food systems. In this context, the Mediterranean diet can be a strategic resource for driving transformative change, with its environmental, social, cultural, health and economic benefits. Education for sustainable consumption enables individuals and social groups to become actors of change by providing knowledge, values and skills to make environmentally friendly, ethically sound, and responsible decisions as consumers. Moreover, involving consumers in research and innovation processes (consumer-driven data) is needed to better understand their needs and preferences. Finally, targeted policy frameworks and multi-stakeholder partnerships can leverage public food procurement schemes to promote the Mediterranean diet, while supporting local economies and environmental sustainability.

Language English

Also available in:

French

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
Consumers and Mediterranean diet: towards food systems transformation
Thursday 26 January 2023 | 9:30-11:00 (CET)
2023

Also available in:

French

This series of technical webinars is organized to leverage the knowledge and expertise of a network of researchers, development practitioners and decision-makers. The webinars aim at strengthening knowledge sharing and stimulating debate around themes relevant to food systems transformation in the Mediterranean, peer exchange about recent research and study findings, as well as showcasing successful and inspiring actions to promote the operationalization of food systems approaches. This webinar will bring together stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to present concrete experiences and successful cases from the consumer perspective, including on transparent information and consumer education and innovative pathways for sustainable public procurement. Consumers should be at the center of all elements of the food system, from food research to food production and procurement, as well as food environments and marketing. Bringing together representatives from consumers and their organizations, experts from research centres, international organizations and educational networks, the webinar will provide a forum for exchange on the role of consumers in a more sustainable food system agenda in the Mediterranean. The webinar will aim to address a key question: what is the role of consumers in shaping more sustainable food systems and what are the implications for rethinking Mediterranean diets?
Book (stand-alone)
Pathways for agrifood systems transformation and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean 2024

Also available in:

French

Sustainable agrifood systems are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, yet structural inequalities and recent crises underscore the urgent need for transformative change. This report focuses on the Mediterranean region, examining challenges and opportunities for agrifood systems transformation within its unique socio-economic and political context. Drawing on global and regional momentum, the report identifies barriers hindering transformation, proposes policy recommendations, and highlights opportunities for regional cooperation. It leverages insights from the UN Food Systems Summits and a typological approach to categorize countries based on their agrifood systems and economic development status.The analysis reveals diverse challenges but also positive attributes such as dietary traditions and biodiversity. While most initiatives prioritize defining goals and establishing support ecosystems, there's a need for greater policy coherence and governance mechanisms. The report identifies strategies to address these gaps, including providing policy guidance, expanding collaborative networks, enhancing data management, and unlocking sustainable finance.Ultimately, an integrated approach that harmonizes various agrifood systems, aligns with local realities, and strengthens partnerships is essential for transformative change. By leveraging existing initiatives, expanding collaboration, and addressing unique regional challenges, the report charts a united pathway towards sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean, fostering prosperity and resilience.
Booklet
Sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean
Levers for transformation
2023

Also available in:

French

This interactive tool compiles expert knowledge about a series of catalytic levers for agrifood systems transformation, while telling inspiring stories from the ground about the people striving to transform the region’s agrifood systems through multistakeholder collaboration and innovative ideas. Most of the information was collected through a series of technical webinars curated by the SFS-MED Platform between 2022 and 2023.