World Food Day: from the challenges of the pandemic to the agri-food transformation

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October 15, 2021 "We celebrate

at a time when the challenges posed by global hunger, the climate crisis and the covid-19 pandemic remain formidable, but there is

and new energy in the commitment to transform agri-food systems and make them more suitable to face today's situation ". This was said by the

, in the opening ceremony of the day - which is celebrated on October 16 each year - to commemorate the birth of FAO, an agency of the United Nations Organization for food and 'agriculture.

"The COP26 on climate, which involves Italy in partnership with the United Kingdom, will constitute an important step in a process of attention to the relationship between nutrition and environmental care, an essential issue if we want to deliver a future full of chance".

This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of World Food Day, October 16, which "offers a precious opportunity for reflection on the dramatic consequences of the pandemic, marked by the increase in levels of poverty and malnutrition".

"The state of food security in the world - complains the Head of State - has significantly worsened. The international community must be able to adequately follow up on the recommendations of the recent summit on food systems, enhancing the natural synergies of the UN system and the competences of the agencies of the Nations united in Rome. Italy, the current President of the G20, has taken on the themes of People, Planet and Prosperity. It is a question of resuming one of the most ambitious aims of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development: 'defeating hunger' ".

"The Matera Declaration on Food Safety and the initiative aimed at mobilizing a new

', are fixed points from which to move, in full respect of the food cultures of each, aware that there are no pre-packaged solutions to reach the goal of' zero hunger '. "

" The fight against hunger demands to overcome the cold logic of the market, eagerly centered on the mere economic benefit and on the reduction of food to a commodity. "

writes this

in a message to Qu Dongyu, director general of FAO, on the occasion of World Day

covid, writes the Pontiff, "highlighted the peremptory nature of adopting innovative solutions that can transform the way we produce and consume food for the well-being of people and the planet. post-pandemic recovery, fight food insecurity and move towards the achievement of all the 2030 Agenda Goals ".

According to Pope Francis, "there is a need for joint action so that everyone has access to a diet that guarantees maximum environmental sustainability and that is also adequate and at an affordable price. Each of us has a role to play in the transformation of systems. food for the benefit of people and the planet ". This is because "the pandemic gives us the opportunity to change course and invest in a world food system that can face future crises sensibly and responsibly".

"In this sense, the precious contribution of small producers is fundamental", concludes the Pope, "it is necessary to facilitate their access to innovation which,

applied to the agri-food sector, it can strengthen resistance to climate change, increase food production and support those who

work in the food value chain. The fight against hunger requires to

, which is eagerly centered on the mere economic benefit and the reduction of food to a commodity like many others, and to strengthen the logic of solidarity ".

On the occasion of World Food Day, which also marks the anniversary of the FAO, the UN Secretary General; Antonio Guterres, said that the anniversary "not only serves to remind us of the importance of food for every person on the planet, but is also an invitation to act to achieve food security in the world. Today, about

, that is, three billion people, cannot afford a

. Hunger grows, as well as under nutrition and obesity. The economic impact of covid 19 has further worsened an already serious situation. The pandemic has made it impossible for another 140 million people to access the food they need. At the same time, our planet heavily discounts the way we produce, consume and waste food. This is putting epochal pressure on natural resources, climate and the environment, as well as costing us trillions every year. As the theme chosen this year highlights, the power to change is in our hands. "Our actions are our future."  

"The world is still hungry. Today more than ever, guaranteeing food for millions of people in suffering remains the fundamental commitment to affirm an inalienable human right". Thus Maurizio Martina,

, on the occasion of World Food Day which is celebrated on 16 October. 

In Italy 399 kg of food are wasted per week, equal to 4.4% of the weight of the food purchased, with a total value of

of 1,052 euros, equal to 3.8% of food expenditure: it is the result of a three-year survey by Crea-Consiglio for research in agriculture and the analysis of the agricultural economy, on a representative sample of 1,142 Italian families. The study, published in the international journal Foods, shows that in Italy waste is completely unused or partially used and that, in general, all cooked food is consumed, leading to a generally small percentage of leftovers ".

Public Utility celebrates World Food Day on October 16 with "In

", a production of accessible fables on food education. Until October 16, 11 fables taken from the book" Amico Cibo.

Tales for growth and food education "will be proposed with subtitles and translation in Lis, to educate deaf and blind children to eat healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables.