Duncan Williamson is an expert in food systems and sustainable diets. We discuss how government decisions, influenced by powerful business lobbying, shape our food choices and the very systems that feed us. We unpack the compelling notion that while governments could lead a transformation toward healthier and more sustainable eating, they often choose not to.
Guest
Duncan Williamson
Date
March 12, 2024
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Duncan shines a spotlight on the myriad pressures—from advertising and public procurement to education and subsidies—that govern our food landscape, highlighting the urgent need for better regulation and the pressing challenges of accessibility and affordability for consumers.
Hear from Duncan about the excitement surrounding the inclusion of food systems in climate change conversations, such as COP28, and why a shift to agroecological practices is gaining traction in the quest for sustainable diets. We also discuss the complexities of local versus seasonal foods and why a plate full of colors might be the key to a nutrient-rich and balanced diet.
Key topics in this episode are:
Government's role in food choices: transforming the food system through education and public procurement
Business influence in food policy: need for better regulation and transparency in lobbying activities
Consumer choice and responsibility: challenges of accessing affordable, healthy food
Food discussions at COP28: recognition of food systems as a major part of climate solutions
Role of animals in agriculture: importance of animals in soil regeneration
Governments’ and companies' roles in promoting healthy food choices
Subsidies making the industrial food system artificially cheap
Sustainable diets and agricultural biodiversity
The debate on local vs. seasonal food
Nutrition and climate change
Vision for food system change: call for a shift towards agroecological and sustainable practices
Optimism and future perspectives: reasons for hope in sustainable diets and agroecology movement
This podcast was produced in collaboration with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture for food system resilience and climate action, by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health.
2022
2022