European consumption experts today called for a new research
policy on sustainable food consumption. Facing recent food
crises around the globe, European food research should set new
priorities, advocated researchers and policy makers from all
over Europe. More than 100 experts have jointly developed a
“Research Agenda for Sustainable Food Consumption in Europe”,
which sets the stage for pressing challenges to be addressed in
coming years. Hot topics on the agenda include sustainable diets
such as the reduction of meat consumption and animal-based
products as well as sustainable food supply chains, e.g.,
strengthening local food systems. In light of the current hunger
crisis in East Africa, reducing global food inequality gains a
new and special significance. “Going forward towards more
sustainable food consumption requires a sound prioritisation of
the relevant topics involved”, states Gerd Scholl, scientist at
the Berlin-based Institute for Ecological Economy Research
(IÖW). “The new research agenda is the