Autonomy, prosperity and food accessibility

This sub-theme aims to address, through a transdisciplinary approach, the challenges and innovations required for the establishment of territorialized food systems.

• SAT-Québec project
• Project on food loss and waste
• Governance issues of food systems

Initially identifying the challenges associated with competitiveness and innovation in the context of food autonomy, prosperity, and accessibility, will pave the way for exploring technologies (innovative, emerging, and existing) and approaches (commercial, political, legal) to address these issues.

• Description and modeling of interrelationships among various stakeholders in the field, with a focus on identifying opportunities.
• Exploration of technologies tailored to address regional and sector-specific challenges.
• Establishment of mechanisms to enhance accessibility and utilization of the identified/explored technologies (e.g., incubators, cooperatives, producer networks, access to university and research center facilities).

Legal and policy innovations (local, national, or international) can have a significant and positive impact on various elements within food systems, thereby inducing a substantial change towards greater sustainability and equity, within an overall health objective.

• The role of law in food systems: DDSA Chair project in collaboration with FAO
• Additional projects in partnership with FAO
• International standardization efforts
• Protection of agricultural land
• Preservation and support of indigenous food systems

Social inequalities and food insecurity are intrinsically linked. The transition to sustainable food systems must consider this reality and leverage scientific knowledge developed to address the various issues associated with this interaction. Moreover, it is crucial to conduct this transition inclusively, inviting vulnerable and marginalized populations to actively participate in decision-making processes, thereby integrating their experiences and knowledge into the policies and measures adopted.

• Documenting food security initiatives in the greater Quebec City region and evaluating their impacts.
• Conducting a comparative analysis of public policies in Quebec, Canada, and internationally, which can be utilized to combat social inequalities and food insecurity.
• Mobilizing a human rights framework to ensure food security and promote social justice.

• Right of each individual to healthy and adequate food.
• Collaboration with the Observatoire de la qualité de l’offre alimentaire, whose mission is to monitor the evolution of the food supply to contribute to the collective effort aimed at improving its quality and accessibility.