Marta Messa believes that the concentration of market power is a key problem. She says that a handful of large corporations control the majority of food production, processing and distribution. This leads to a profit-orientation that is often at the expense of the good of the wider population. Messa points out that many people don't have access to enough high-quality food, an inequality that has only been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. She also says that many diseases are often the result of unhealthy industrially produced food. "Industrialised food is making us ill," she warns.
Loss of traditional farming and ecological limits
Another important issue is the disappearance of traditional farmers and food artisans. "Many farmers and food artisans have given up due to strong competition from the industrial food system." At the same time, we are exceeding the so-called ecological limits which indicate environmentally friendly use of our resources. "Our current industrial food system isn't producing sustainably," Messa says.
Regulation and diversification
According to Messa, stricter regulations, especially with regard to competition law, are helping to change the food system. "Antitrust regulations can be implemented to control market concentration," she explains. At the same time, she is demanding support for and the promotion of diversified food production that focuses on diverse markets and products. "We need a strong base of farmers, food producers, food artisans and citizens who support a food system that relies on diversified food markets and production"
Innovation and traditional knowledge
Messa emphasises the importance of equitable dialogue between all the players in the food system - especially with regard to innovation. "There is a tendency to see innovation solely as technology. But innovation is more than that". She argues in favour of making greater use of the valuable knowledge of practitioners and farmers. Their deep understanding of ecosystems, their communities and environments is extremely valuable, she adds.
Successes and positive examples
Messa cites specific examples of positive change: in Uganda, for example, genetically modified plants were stopped and land grabbing was curtailed by bringing farmers and decision-makers around the table. Successes such as these highlight how important it is to involve all parties at eye level in the search for solutions.
We look forward to seeing you (again) at next year's conference. Make sure to reserve 19 June 2025 in your diaries.