Global food systems are under pressure. The way in which we produce and consume food is directly related to the transgression of planetary boundaries, including the loss of biodiversity and habitat, the emission of greenhouse gases, and the damage to phosphorus and nitrogen cycles.

In addition, the world's population growth means that less land is available to feed more and more people. High health care costs caused by diet-related diseases in addition to the fact that 800 million people worldwide are starving while two billion people are overweight show that a transformation of the global food system is necessary also for social reasons.

Ecologic Institute's researchers work at national and European level to develop ideas, concepts, and policy recommendations for sustainable food systems and to identify promising pathways for their implementation.

The research focuses on the reduction of food waste, the re-regionalization of food systems and urban food policies, and healthy, sustainable dietary recommendations, including alternatives to meat consumption.

To develop strategies fit for this purpose, an essential part of Ecologic Institute's work is to foster a participatory and transdisciplinary process by engaging with various stakeholders.