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 essential 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 12 months’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 Targets.
IFIS Sustainability is a free Abstracting and Indexing (A&I) database created by the not-for-profit instructional writer. It’s not merely a repository of scientific analysis; it’s a catalyst for change. The modern platform provides 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 data—an important basis for knowledgeable decision-making.
“It’s completely essential that F&B innovators have entry to the most recent, reliable science to study from and construct on the work of others and produce individuals collectively in collaborative efforts,” Cindy Steward (PhD), International 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 centered database for scientists and others to simply entry sound science.”
Multidisciplinary database exhibits 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 trade’s give attention to these essential areas, providing a glimpse into the dynamic panorama of sustainable meals science.
Economics of Sustainability: Researchers are exploring sensible approaches that not solely handle environmental considerations but in addition make financial sense inside the broader meals market. Attaining sustainability requires options which are 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 targets want supportive insurance policies. Advocating for and creating insurance policies that promote sustainability throughout the meals provide chain is a key focus.
Ecological Issues: Understanding and mitigating the environmental affect of meals manufacturing is paramount. Researchers are exploring methods to cut back the ecological footprint of agriculture and meals processing, selling practices which are environmentally pleasant.
Client-Centric Approaches: Customers play an important position in driving sustainability. The database delves into understanding how client behaviour will be influenced to assist sustainable decisions, whether or not by way 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 making certain meals safety.
Plant-Primarily based 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 essential time for the meals system, which is going through myriad challenges as innovators work to transition towards sustainable strategies of manufacturing and consumption.
“Essentially the most urgent sustainability problem for the F&B trade is for corporations and organizations to determine, and frequently replace, the proof base for probably the most sustainable elements, 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 data wants of the meals science group. By breaking down monetary limitations, 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 assets on re-inventing what’s already recognized. IFIS Sustainability gives entry to a professionally curated and extremely searchable database of reliable science and expertise and is a wonderful useful resource for such a objective.”
Sustainable meals science innovation isn’t just a pathway to a extra resilient and moral meals system; it’s a shared accountability. As we navigate the intricate internet of challenges, the ability to innovate sustainably lies not in isolation however in our capability to construct on our collective data—a data that IFIS Sustainability is devoted to curating and sharing for the better good.
At no cost entry to the IFIS Sustainability platform, register right here.
