The intricate interaction of environmental considerations, financial concerns, and societal well-being calls for a swift and transformative response. On this period of change, collaboration and knowledge-sharing will not be simply virtues; they’re indispensable instruments for accelerating the tempo of innovation towards a extra sustainable meals system.
On the coronary heart of this name for innovation is the popularity that our present practices will not be sustainable in the long term. We face a crucial juncture the place our decisions will form not solely the way forward for meals however the well being of our planet and communities.
The necessity to make sure the response is inclusive and collaborative is on the coronary heart of this yr’s World Meals Day message: “Water is Life, Water is Meals. Go away No One Behind”. On this spirit, and recognising the necessity for pressing change, IFIS Publishing has launched IFIS Sustainability in assist of FAO’s World Meals Day and the Sustainable Growth Objectives.
IFIS Sustainability is a free Abstracting and Indexing (A&I) database created by the not-for-profit academic writer. It’s not merely a repository of scientific analysis; it’s a catalyst for change. The revolutionary platform gives a curated assortment of over 10,000 data, frequently up to date to supply a rolling 6-month snapshot of the most recent in sustainable meals science.
It’s the world’s first free database of sustainable meals science. However what actually units it aside is the meticulous vetting course of led by IFIS Publishing’s group of meals and knowledge scientists. By excluding predatory content material, the database ensures that customers entry reliable, dependable info—a vital basis for knowledgeable decision-making.
“It’s completely crucial that F&B innovators have entry to the most recent, reliable science to study from and construct on the work of others and produce folks collectively in collaborative efforts,” Cindy Steward (PhD), World Innovation and R&D Govt and IFT Previous President, famous.
Steward, who’s a member of the IFIS Company Advisory Board, continued: “The options require multi-disciplinary approaches. It’s nice to have a targeted database for scientists and others to simply entry sound science.”
Multidisciplinary database reveals key areas of analysis
As we delve into the urgent want for sustainable meals innovation, it’s important to acknowledge the important thing themes shaping present analysis. IFIS Sustainability mirrors the business’s give attention to these crucial areas, providing a glimpse into the dynamic panorama of sustainable meals science.
Economics of Sustainability: Researchers are exploring sensible approaches that not solely deal with environmental considerations but in addition make financial sense inside the broader meals market. Reaching sustainability requires options which might be financially viable and scalable.
Technological Developments: The database displays a eager curiosity in leveraging expertise for extra environment friendly and sustainable practices in meals processing, packaging, and different areas. Improvements in expertise play a pivotal position in reshaping the way forward for meals.
Coverage-Pushed Sustainability: The emphasis on regulatory frameworks highlights the acknowledgment that sustainable objectives want supportive insurance policies. Advocating for and creating insurance policies that promote sustainability throughout the meals provide chain is a key focus.
Ecological Considerations: Understanding and mitigating the environmental affect of meals manufacturing is paramount. Researchers are exploring methods to scale back the ecological footprint of agriculture and meals processing, selling practices which might be environmentally pleasant.
Client-Centric Approaches: Shoppers play a vital position in driving sustainability. The database delves into understanding how client behaviour could be influenced to assist sustainable decisions, whether or not by means of clear labelling or strategic advertising.
Improvements in Agriculture: Sustainable farming practices are on the coronary heart of sustainable meals innovation. The database showcases improvements in precision agriculture, natural farming strategies, and different approaches selling sustainable agriculture whereas guaranteeing meals safety.
Plant-Based mostly Options: Reflecting the rising curiosity in plant-based diets, the database explores the environmental advantages of plant-based diets and sustainable plant-based merchandise. It addresses the challenges and alternatives related to a shift towards plant-based consumption.
The launch of IFIS Sustainability comes at a crucial time for the meals system, which is dealing with myriad challenges as innovators work to transition towards sustainable strategies of manufacturing and consumption.
“Essentially the most urgent sustainability problem for the F&B business is for firms and organizations to ascertain, and frequently replace, the proof base for probably the most sustainable substances, processes, and merchandise,” defined Professor Colin Dennis, chairman of IFIS Publishing and the Management Growth Committee at IFT.
Within the pursuit of a sustainable future, collaboration turns into our most potent weapon. The choice to supply IFIS Sustainability as a free-to-access software aligns with IFIS Publishing’s mission to champion the knowledge wants of the meals science group. By breaking down monetary obstacles, the database turns into a shared useful resource, inviting researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to contribute to a collective effort for a sustainable and water-efficient meals system.
Dennis continued: “It’s important that innovators have entry to the most recent reliable science and expertise to keep away from losing sources on re-inventing what’s already identified. IFIS Sustainability supplies entry to a professionally curated and extremely searchable database of reliable science and expertise and is a superb useful resource for such a function.”
Sustainable meals science innovation is not only a pathway to a extra resilient and moral meals system; it’s a shared accountability. As we navigate the intricate internet of challenges, the facility to innovate sustainably lies not in isolation however in our skill to construct on our collective information—a information that IFIS Sustainability is devoted to curating and sharing for the higher good.
Totally free entry to the IFIS Sustainability platform, register right here.
