Published on 15th August 2022.
Food sustainability is more important than ever before. Currently, the global population has reached almost 7,800,000 and according to statistics, generally rises an average of 1% each year. The rise in the overall population of the world can be attributed to many factors, but among the largest is advancements made in the medical industry that is allowing people to live longer than ever before. Today’s life expectancy has reached 75 years for women and 70 for men. Where this is great news for keeping those we love around longer than ever before, it also means the need for food sustaining measures is growing as well.
We as a global society should be considerate of our need for increased food stability and thankfully, various countries are jumping on board with measure to help sustain the planet. These countries are leading the way and making a clear path for more nations to follow in our attempt to ensure the survival and our ability to live a prosperous and sustained life.
France
Leading the charge in ultimate food stability is France. France has instituted a variety of sustainable measures to ensure food is readily available whenever it is needed. Among the most proficient measures is their insistence on crop rotation within farming communities. Unlike other countries that farm the exact land year after year, French farmers move fields of crops from one area to another. This allows the land to heal and maintain its natural nutrient qualities. Apart from crop rotation, farmers also reduce their use of chemical fertilizers that can ultimately strip the land of nutrients.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, food production has remained high throughout the years, but the government has continued to be insistent on the need for optimal sustainability. The focus in recent years has been based around providing healthier animal management. Ensuring farm animals are healthy, by providing essential grains and clean drinking water, farmers can have increased egg and milk production. Conversely, healthier food provided for animal allows for healthier waste and fertilizing to crops. The symbiotic circle of life is greatly considered by farmers throughout the Netherlands.
Finland
In Finland, food sustainability is becoming more common place. The society in Finland focuses on a do it yourself attitude in which every individual is accountable for their waste and what positive things they can bring to the community. Unlike other countries, Finland has the Everyman’s Rights policy. This means that wild plants such as berries, herbs, and anything else edible is available to the public. The vast forests surrounding Finland are home to a variety of natural foods and residents regularly go foraging for what they need.
The notion of food stability is not merely afforded to the natural environment, but within cities as well. Urban gardens and crop sharing are becoming among the most proficient way to ensure every resident has something healthy to eat. The Finish are also know for their ability to stretch the personal food budget at home and teach their children to only take what they know they will eat. Where it might sound like a small step, this mentality is one that should be adopted by other countries where food waste is all too common.
Japan
Food waste seems to be among the biggest problems that has traditionally plagued Japan’s food sustainability. Even as the government continues to increase food output by planting more, it does little good if food is continually wasted. However, in recent years, Japanese government agencies have invested in educating residents about food waste and even inducted the Food Loss Reduction Day during the year. However, the largest food sustainability project to hit the land of Japan is the city of Kamakatsu.
Kamakatsu is a zero waste city. Municipalities in the city have promised a zero waste declaration and is well on its way of making their carbon neutral goal by 2030. Thus far, Kamakatsu has reached 80% carbon neutrality and although it is a relatively small city, residents are committed to food sustainability through the zero waste mind set and are continually looking for ways to improve and use waste throughout their community.
What About Underdeveloped Countries?
The countries listed above are well established with enhanced government systems in place to set standards for corporations and even individual food stability needs. However, even underdeveloped countries can utilize the same practices to establish food stability. Teaching citizens about the need for food stability at all levels is vital. Small communities can have a substantial impact on the total well being of the entire country by investing in sustainable farming practices and by enhancing nutrition for growth of plants and animals, these nations can ultimately have a positive, healthy effect on their people. There is a lot to do, but with a little commitment, even the smallest, up and coming countries can enhance food stability practices.
Food sustainability is the goal of many individuals and it is amazing to learn and grow as an individual, but if we are to truly embrace the concept of food sustainability, more must be done. We need the support of government agencies and programs that support optimal food sustainability. We have a long way to go, but these nations are thankfully leading the charge for food stability and ultimately a better future for the next generation.
