REDINN at the Forefront of FOODCoST Event

REDINN recently participated in the FOODCoST project event, organized by APRE – Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea, held at the historic Palazzo Hercolani in Bologna, Italy. This event, focused on revolutionizing our understanding of food systems through True Cost Accounting, brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of sustainable food

Key Insights from the Event

The event featured keynote presentations and workshops that explored the complexities of integrating true cost accounting into food systems. Andrea Segré from the University of Bologna emphasized the importance of circular economy principles, while Daniele Rossi of Copa Cogeca and Confagricoltura shared the farmers’ perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by true cost accounting. Luisa Crisigiovanni from Altroconsumo advocated for transparent labeling for consumers, and Giorgio Alberani of Fruttagel provided insights from the industry’s viewpoint. Nick Jacobs from IPES-Food concluded the keynote session with a discussion of the critical role of policy in supporting sustainable practices.

Workshop Highlights

REDINN actively participated in the workshop on “Exploring Future Scenarios for Internalising the True Cost of Food Systems,” led by the University of Bologna. The workshop, facilitated by researchers Valeria Musso and Matteo Masotti, focused on envisioning and strategizing for a future where the true costs of food systems are fully accounted for. Participants engaged in scenario co-creation exercises, using the backcasting method to identify the necessary steps to achieve a sustainable future.

Alessandro Tiraborelli, our esteemed Policy Researcher, presented the activities of the work group focused on “Health and Nutritious Food Habits.” His presentation highlighted the importance of integrating nutritional considerations into the broader discussion of food system externalities.

Conclusion

The FOODCoST project event in Bologna was a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to create fair and sustainable food systems. REDINN is proud to have been a part of this important conversation, reinforcing our commitment to supporting research and initiatives that promote transparency and sustainability in the food industry.

Attending the event was crucial for us, especially given our parallel commitments to other significant projects like Se4all. Engaging with diverse approaches and perspectives on similar issues helps us understand how to overcome challenges and truly embrace the essence of sustainability in food systems.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers of the FOODCoST project event and to all the participants who shared their valuable insights. Special thanks to Alessandro Tiraborelli for his contributions to the workshop and for representing REDINN in this important forum.