2023-06-22 09:00:54
The new episode of the podcast “Sustainable Food” tells us about how the industry manages sustainable food production and what some techniques such as vertical and regenerative agriculture consist of.
New forms of sustainable food production are being generated. EFE/Manuel Bruque
What is behind the production of food? How is the industry tackling food waste? What is regenerative and sustainable agriculture? Pedro Ruíz, responsible for sustainability at Nestlé Spain, answers Henar Fernández on these and many other questions in this new episode of “Sustainable Food”.
Together with the expert, we explain what the main sustainable food production techniques consist of and how they contribute to andto major optimization of the industry.
Sustainable regeneration, key in the fight against climate change
Pedro Ruíz explains that currently research and development make it possible to have many more tools to be more sustainable and reduce the impact of our actions on the planet.
Hay different ways to promote a more sustainable industry.
“The type of food, the use of water and land, the use of energy, environmental pollution, waste management are elements that contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases,” explains the expert.
The food sector, despite not being the most responsible, has a great power and a fundamental role so it becomes a key piece in promoting change in consumption and production habits.
Food systems are responsible for up to 25% of total gas emissions greenhouse effect, adds Pedro Ruíz.
The concern for sustainability It is growing. Therefore, we must go one step further.
It is not enough just to reduce our environmental impact, but we must build a positive impact, regenerate and restore, that is what sustainable regeneration is mainly about, says the Nestlé professional.
Is sustainable food production enough as an answer to what the planet needs?
“It is necessary, but not sufficient”, explains the person in charge of sustainability, who affirms “sustainable food production is necessary because it slows down and prevents the overexploitation of natural resources. However, we need to go a step further.”
“A new concept is regeneration, an action that requires repairing everything that has been destroyed, just what the planet needs,” adds Pedro Ruíz.
The sustainable regeneration it consists of carrying out practices capable of restoring what the planet has lost.
Respect for biodiversity is one of the pillars of sustainable food production. Photo: National Park Service, Rocky Mountain, USA
Stop the consequences of climate change
“Human beings are both victims and contributors to climate change. However, the good news is that we are also part of the solution”, advocates the professional.
Sustainable regeneration mainly insists on make a positive impact on the planet and get good carbon capture practicescircular waste management or respect for biodiversity.
How do you translate all these ideas into the sustainable practice of food production?
“Conventional agricultural and intensive livestock practices have clearly contributed to the deterioration of the land,” says Ruíz.
Many experts already value alternative options such as vertical crops.
The professional explains that it is a joint effort between farmers, suppliers, communities in the area, factories…
Pedro Ruíz explains how Nestlé addresses food waste, something that can occur at any step in the value chain.
“We are going to implement optimization software to guarantee and ensure the sustainability of the production chain and to increase performance. When waste is unavoidable, we are going to try to ensure that it is always revaluable, that is, that it acquires value in the production chain by turning it into animal feed or taking it to composting plants”, adds the Nestlé professional.
Technology, a key element for sustainable food production
“At Nestlé, improved technologies have helped us to reach 0 waste to the landfill by 2020,” defends Pedro Ruíz.
“The correct management of sustainability will mean gaining consumer trust, acting responsibly and meeting the expectations of consumers and customers. This is the trend that will mark the future and there is no turning back”, concludes the expert.
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