Key Issues and Information Resources - Consumption

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KEY ISSUES AND INFORMATION SOURCES - Consumption

Discussion Paper:
Current food consumption patterns and global sustainability

The aim of this paper is to provide a complete picture of the food system highlighting the causes and the effects of current global food consumption patterns. Concern is usually expressed over the effects of the production phase, including farming and processing, because these effects are more obvious. However, patterns of food consumption also contribute considerably to the lack of sustainability of the food system.

The data presented in this paper are not exhaustive, but show clearly that the numerous weaknesses which exist in the current food chain may have very serious consequences for global food security if effective solutions are not found rapidly.

There are striking discrepancies between developing and developed countries, both in terms of the quantity and quality of their input to the different agricultural systems, and in terms of crop yields, efficiency and added value of food products. In both cases, however, future food security still depends on the availability of land, fertile soil, freshwater, natural recycling of organic and inorganic nutrients, biodiversity and efficient nitrogen fixation. All these elements are closely inter-linked at global scale and must be preserved by the only means that we possess: sustainable development. It is widely believed that it is impossible for the world to sustain present food consumption levels for everyone if the 7.5 billion population projected for the near future consumes natural resources and energy at today's rate. To meet the challenge of sustainability, producers and consumers must start working together now.

Keywords: food; production; consumption; environment; consumers; sustainability

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