Sustainable Food Technology and Nutrition

Abstract

Sustainable nutrition is defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "diets that use human and natural resources in the best possible way, are respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems, culturally acceptable, easily accessible, economically viable, nutritionally adequate, safe and with low environmental impacts of food consumption." Sustainability encompasses various disciplines, from ecology to the environment, nutrition to agriculture, clean air and accessible water to natural resources, and from work life to technology. It promotes living in harmony with the environment, preserving natural balance and resources, replacing what we take from nature, and leaving a more livable world for future generations. Sustainable nutrition includes principles such as promoting plant-based food choices, preventing food waste, and limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods. Sustainable food systems are founded on ensuring food security, environmental balance, and societal well-being for future generations. Sustainable food technologies have the potential to enhance agriculture by reducing water and chemical usage. Sustainable technological methods such as fertigation (efficient irrigation with fertilizers), crop rotation, protected cultivation, synthetic meat production, aeroponics, aquaponics, and hydroponics exist. Fertigation, for example, increases efficiency in fertilizing through water. Synthetic meat production aims to sustainably meet the demand for meat in the future. Local food systems and the preference for sustainable seafood are also parts of this approach. Overall, sustainable food systems and dietary patterns support the goal of ensuring food security and environmental balance for the future. Given the current peril to planetary health, adopting sustainable nutrition and lifestyles, that strive to provide sufficient, balanced, and healthy food, is necessary to reduce the impact of food production on the climate crisis, minimize harm to the planet during food production, and decrease food waste. In this document, sustainable food technologies and nutrition are explained, and their relationship is evaluated.