Future Food System Summit Summary

FUTURE FOOD SYSTEM SUMMIT

Oaxaca

November 9 & 10 2023

Unidad de Extensión Universitaria UNAM, Oaxaca

In our recent Future Food Systems Summits we brought together a diverse group of food system experts and change-makers.

This provided a unique platform for networking, identifying common goals, and developing actionable plans for a brighter future.

What happened in our Future Food Systems Summit

Day 1

Building a common vision for Oaxaca’s future food system at an individual and group level.

To reach a shared vision, we began with individual perspectives of a desirable food system. Participants then collaborated in three diverse groups to create group visions. Together, we identified key values from these visions, which ultimately guided us in forming a collective shared vision.

Common Values:

Poca veces la herramienta que se construye desde fuera como que es utilizada dentro de la comunidad porque creo yo que algo que no sucede es como pues reflexionamos esos asuntos para que esas nuevas herramientas sean valoradas por la gente que vive ahí.

– Summit Participant

Participants came together and identified common values across the three group visions

  • Collectivity
  • Solidarity
  • Fair Trade
  • Health, Wisdom and Learning
  • Consciousness/Awareness
  • Reciprocity
  • Respect for Tradition and Environment
  • Social Equity and Justice
  • Youth Engagement
  • Sustainable Practices

La solidaridad, que aveces se ayuda al que se necesita con humildad. El compartir los saberes no quedándonoslo.

– Summit Participant

Final Vision:

Based on common values, participants created a shared vision of a desirable food system in 2050

Our vision, in 2050, is of a system deeply interconnected with nature, where soil and forest conservation and restoration are fundamental pillars. Young people, who are trained and aware, lead a model of agroecological, self-sufficient production rooted in teamwork and community organization.

Ensuring access to seeds and celebrating the value of agricultural work are essential, while diverse production systems and appropriate technologies sustain long-term viability. Food education, tailored to local contexts, promotes diverse diets based on native plants, reviving ancient foods and transforming public perception of healthy eating.

Commercially, we value food beyond its economic price, fostering fair, local, and accessible trade with special recognition of women’s contributions. Governance focuses on equity and justice, guaranteeing the right to health and nutritious food, with public policies directed by affected communities and programs ensuring access to healthy foods in all institutions.

Art representation of the vision

What happened in our Future Food Systems Summit

Day 2

Networking and guided visit to Villa Agroecologica Tierra del Sol

We engaged in making sauerkraut and received a talk on syntropic agriculture. They explored the village, noting its innovative ecological construction techniques, dry toilets, rainwater harvesting and purification systems, composting practices, and diverse crop gardens. The experience provided valuable insights into sustainable living and farming methods.

Special thanks to those who made this workshop possible:

Facilitator:

Sergio Beltrán

Researchers:

Dr. Verena Seufert

Dr. Anne Elise Stratton

Marisol Galicia, M.Sc

Kelzy Jepsen, M.Sc

Dr. Quetzalcoatl Orozco

Kaya Lange, M.Sc

Venue:

Unidad de Extensión

Universitaria-UNAM

Villa Agroecologica

Tierra del Sol

Catering:

Caldo Negro

Artist:

María del Rosario

Jiménez Cabrera

Workshop Design:

Altekio (Conchi Pineiro

and Cintia Lara)

Check Out the Summit Summary

Click on the link to read the group vision summaries and common values.

The journey continues

Stay Connected with Bright Spots Project

As we move forward with the Bright Spots project, our next step is to identify indicators that will help us track our progress toward our shared vision for a better food system. By mapping these indicators, we aim to uncover “bright spots”—positive examples of sustainable agriculture and food systems in Mexico and India. These bright spots are not just solutions; they can be sources of inspiration and practical knowledge that can help us improve our food systems.

We invite you to stay connected with the Bright Spots project as we collectively seek solutions to food system sustainability challenges. By working together, we can gain a deeper understanding, learn from these positive examples, and work to share this valuable knowledge in ways that are meaningful to you.

Your ongoing engagement is vital as we build on the momentum generated during the Summits. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey toward a resilient and sustainable food future!

Stay tuned for future updates, and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

If you haven’t already, please fill out our survey

Our Mexico team

  • Prof. Dr. Verena Seufert

    Junior Professor

    • verena.seufert@uni-hohenheim.de
  • Dr. Anne Elise Stratton

    Postdoctoral Researcher

    • ae.stratton@uni-hohenheim.de
  • Marisol Galicia

    Research Coordinator Mexico

    • mexico@brightspotsproject.com
  • Kaya Lange

    M.Sc. Student

    • kaya.lange@uni-hohenheim.de
  • Kelzy Jepsen

    PhD Candidate

    • kelzy.jepsen@uni-hohenheim.de

Our Mexico collaborators

  • Dr. Ayari Pasquier

    Researcher & Collaborator - UNAM

    • ayaripasquier@gmail.com

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