Recent events have shown how fragile our global food system is, writes Fotis Fotiadis, CEO and co-founder, Better Origin.
Our food chain has many inefficiencies. After all, we waste a third of all food produced annually - in the UK that figure is 6.7 million tonnes. Worse, the food system is responsible for more than a third of the global emissions. With new net zero goals set by governments and companies, this will have to change.
Take, for example, the European animal feed sector’s wide use of imported soy. Most of it comes from South America, from areas with a high deforestation risk. This makes the livestock sector more vulnerable – and its environmental impact is a major step back on our path to net zero.
To meet the demand of our growing population, which is predicted to reach 10 billion by 2055, we must change our food system. And we must do so while hitting our net zero targets.
A Unique Position
New solutions are emerging that promise to transform our food chain, and their journey towards widespread adoption can go much more smoothly with the support of governments and corporations.
Supermarkets have a unique position in the supply chain, impacting both the food producer and the consumer. They can take a leading role in implementing new technologies and communicating the changes to consumers.
In addition, governments have a huge impact on how our food system performs through relevant policies. They also have access to funds that help launch new sustainable solutions. Every new technology needs support on the path to profitability and becoming cost-effective. If the right policy is in place, whether that is through carbon tax or other incentives, it leads to much faster adoption.
Also, while it might be tempting for companies to use offsets to achieve carbon neutrality on paper, they should look directly into their supply chains before doing so. According to Oxfam, relying too much on carbon offsetting projects such as afforestation can make our food chain even more fragile and raise food prices by up to 80%. Much more can be done without leaving the farm.
The only way to ensure a sustainable food chain is if governments, food producers, and supermarkets work closely together. And with new, local-first technologies, these goals can be met without sacrificing profit.
Achieving Net Zero Without Losing Profits
Sustainable innovations need to make commercial sense and deliver a positive return on investment.
At Better Origin, we have developed technology that answers the food waste challenge, net zero goals, and profitability. The Better Origin X1, our insect farming module, transforms food waste into carbon-negative insect feed. The feed is grown locally and reduces the need for imported soy.
Supermarkets, food producers, and governments should work with start-ups that don't just focus on carbon neutrality but have a deep understanding of their business goals. This will accelerate their transition towards a food chain that remains profitable in the times of uncertainty.
Why Insects?
Insect feed reduces the need for soy and helps food producers achieve net zero.
Insects need less land, water, and energy compared to any other feedstock or livestock. They are also a great source of protein and have a rich amino acid profile like that of animals and not plants. Unlike soy, which travels for thousands of miles, they can be grown locally, supporting a food chain in which local communities are more resilient to global turmoil.
However, the insect farming industry has some barriers to entry. Newcomers must learn about growing a new species, and the larvae need supervision for optimal growth. Our hope is that insect farming becomes so easy that any farmer can enter the market.
A more sustainable food chain reaching net zero is a hard target without a silver bullet solution. Innovations that improve the way we produce our food while cutting emissions and increase profitability are making it more achievable.
The key is for those innovations to get support from the key players so that their adoption can accelerate.
Better Origin is a provider of insect mini-farms that convert local food waste into high-quality animal feed in the form of insect larvae, using AI technology. For more information, visit www.betterorigin.co.uk.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine. Article by Fotis Fotiadis, CEO and co-founder, Better Origin. For more A-Brands news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
