Debate offers policy makers food for thought

Scotland could learn much from the Nordic countries when it comes to sustainable food production and lowering the rate of child obesity.

This is according to the project manager for the Nordic Food Policy Lab, who will be speaking at a free public debate on food policy taking place in Edinburgh next month.

Mads Frederik Fischer-Møller, who is also senior advisor for food policy for the Nordic Council of Ministers, will be joined at the event by Professor Corinna Hawkes, Director of the Centre for Food Policy at City, University of London.

Organised by Scotland’s Rural College, the debate will explore what should shape 21st-century food policy.

For example, human and animal health; environmental sustainability; human rights and social justice around food availability and quality; as well as international trade and standards.

Professor Sarah Skerratt, SRUC’s Director of Policy and chair of the debate, said: “Policies have been in place for decades to regulate food production and many aspects of consumption – not only in farming, but also for supermarkets, restaurants, kitchens and so on.

“As the world changes, new food policies are now being debated and developed in Scotland, the UK, in Nordic countries, and across the globe, as our systems of supply-and-demand become increasingly interlinked.

“At this important debate, we’ll look at changes we’re seeing in how our food is produced and think about how policy should be shaped accordingly.”

Mads Frederik Fischer-Møller said: “Scotland and the Nordics have very similar terrains and cultures and it is clear there is much we can learn from each other. The Nordics, for example, are often seen as leaders in sustainability and we have the lowest child obesity in Europe. I look forward to discussing what Scotland might be able to learn from Nordic food policy and what ideas we might be able to adopt.”

Prof Corinna Hawkes said: “Food offers solutions to so many problems in the world today. At the same time, it’s a world of so many differing opinions and conflicts. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to air and listen to the many views out there.”

Give us today our daily bread – but how? took place at the Grassmarket Centre, Edinburgh, on Friday 28 February (3.30pm-5pm, followed by a reception until 7pm).

Posted by SRUC on 21/01/2020