Integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change & malnutrion

The systemic results of the project have been published across a range of esteemed journals, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the research. These publications span key academic platforms such as Nutrients, Economies, Agronomy, PloS One, Science of Food and Agriculture, Frontiers in Plant Science, Sustainability, Foods, Cleaner Production, Applied Sciences, and the Italian Journal of Agronomy. By publishing in these diverse journals, the research has reached a broad audience, including scholars and practitioners in areas such as food sustainability, agricultural innovation, environmental science, and production efficiency. In addition to these journal publications, the systemic project results have been showcased at several renowned workshops and conferences, engaging scientists, policymakers, and enterprises. Habtamu Alem presented the project at the 6th JPI HDHL International Conference in April 2021 and discussed knowledge platform structuration at the 2020 Virtual Meeting with FOSC Funders. The CLIMAQUALITEC poster was also presented at the LXIV Congress of the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics in September 2021. Moreover, Prof. Marco Bindi delivered a presentation on "Applying an integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems" at the MINDS Foods Hub in Milan on September 21, 2021. G. Parisi also shared findings on dietary Hermetia illucens larvae meal’s effects on sea bream fillets at the 24th Congress of the Animal Science and Production Association in Padova, Italy. Additional presentations included discussions on the positive effects of coffee silver skin extract on glucose intestinal transport at the ISEKI E-conference (November 2021), as well as the use of heat-treated olive pomace paste as a safe edible ingredient for the food industry. Further insights were presented at the International Conference on Food Bioactives & Health (June 2022) and the 51st Conference of the Italian Society of Agronomy (September 2022), highlighting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative food technologies. The complete findings can be accessed in the project's final report.

The SYSTEMIC project has had both significant scientific and social impacts. Scientifically, it has produced 75 peer-reviewed articles and presented findings at 34 national and international conferences, advancing knowledge in areas like food production, nutrition technologies, climate change, and environmental pollution. The project’s results have been shared through webinars, a central website, and press releases, ensuring broad visibility. Socially, SYSTEMIC engages with stakeholders, organizes events, and contributes to education by involving PhD students and offering training in food security and sustainability. It promotes sustainable practices in agriculture and public health, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals. The project's approach fosters collaboration across eight European countries, enhancing transnational cooperation in food system innovation. SYSTEMIC’s research impacts areas like climate adaptation, sustainable diets, and food security, laying the groundwork for future applications in these fields.

Securing sufficient and healthy food for all, while minimizing environmental impact is the great challenge we face already today. Local production limits and global trade challenge equal access to food. With climate change increasingly affecting food production in areas, which are already disadvantaged, unprecedented population (especially in urban and coastal areas) and income growth and deterioration of usable land, these challenges will intensify. We need a holistic approach to transform the global food production system with the ability to adapt to regional necessities. The SYSTEMIC network (an integrated approach to the challenge of sustainable food systems: adaptive and mitigatory strategies to address climate change and malnutrition) will bring together scientists and practitioners from different disciplines and expertise on different parts of the food system to explore cross-cutting solutions, identify knowledge gaps and develop pathways for a food system transformation, which is climate-resilient and able to cope with societal challenges. While the information on policies and technologies that would enhance productivity and sustainability of individual agricultural sectors is available to some extent, literature is practically devoid of information and experiences for countries and communities considering a comprehensive approach (cross-sectoral policies, strategies, and technologies) to sustainable food and agriculture. This project is the first effort to fill this gap, providing information on proven options and opportunities that provides sustainable, resilient, and nutritional food from both land and sea. The SYSTEMIC project idea is based on researchers from 41 research groups working in eight countries by creating a network for a better understanding of food and nutrition security in a changing environment.