An integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition (SYSTEMIC MIMOSA)

Securing sufficient and healthy food for all, while minimizing environmental impact is the great challenge we face already today. Climate change increasingly affecting food production in areas, which are already disadvantaged, unprecedented population (especially in urban and coastal areas) and income growth and deterioration of usable land, will intensify these challenges. We need a holistic approach to transform the global food production system with the ability to adapt to regional contexts. The SYSTEMIC network (an integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition) will bring together scientists and practitioners from different disciplines and expertise on different parts of the food system to explore cross-cutting solutions, identify knowledge gaps and develop pathways for a food system transformation, which is climate-resilient and able to cope with societal challenges. While the information on policies and technologies that would enhance productivity and sustainability of individual agricultural sectors is available to some extent, literature is practically devoid of information and experiences for countries and communities considering a comprehensive approach (cross-sectoral policies, strategies, and technologies) to sustainable food supply and agriculture. This project is the first effort to fill this gap, providing information on proven options and opportunities that provides sustainable, resilient, and nutritional food from both land and sea. The SYSTEMIC project idea is based on researchers from eight European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Portugal, and Spain) by creating a network for a better understanding of food and nutrition security in a changing environment. National and transnational collaboration in R&D projects together with the transfer of knowledge and technology are the major aim of the research teams working in this project. SYSTEMIC works on seven interrelated working packages and case studies. SYSTEMIC will develop a joint vision for the development of an integrated food system for continuous improvement in sustainability at production, consumption, and public health. The project involves contributing towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): (2) zero hunger, (3) good health and well-being, (12) responsible consumption and production, (13) climate action, and (17) partnerships to achieve the goals.