Category Archives: Food

Master thesis experience in the US

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A post by Max van Tilburg (MSc student International Development)

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The nature of urban agriculture; initiatives in Lansing and Detroit, Michigan, United States

Urban agriculture over the past decennium has become very popular in the Western World, this brings up questions about the commonality between all these different initiatives. This question stood at the basis of my master thesis, and was translated to whether urban agriculture initiatives in Lansing and Detroit (Michigan, USA) could be seen as (being part of) a social movement.

Although the history and (organizational) background of the urban agriculture initiatives in Lansing and Detroit are very diverse, the similarity in practices, ideas and ideologies (both displayed in shared discourses and themes) was remarkably high. It turned out that community building with all its aspects is a first order concern for the initiatives, neighborhood organizations, a soup kitchen, private farmers, all practiced and expressed a major concern about working on the community.

On the overall I arrived at a point were I more or less hypothesize the same as Touraine (1998) did in his research on social movements; “that their ‘real’ purpose was a broad-based effort to oppose the corporate and government technocrats who initiated and directed most social change”.

Read more in my thesis!

Towards Implementation: Reflecting on 10 years of the Right to Food

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Today an interim report by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter, made to the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly has been released. You can download a PDF copy here: Assessing a decade of progress on the right to food

The report – Assessing a decade of progress on the right to food– provides insight into practical aspects of realizing the right to food. It notes that the right to food has “become an operational tool” that is “widely recognised as a key to the success of food security strategies” (para 3).

Focusing on progress made since the 1996 World Food summit, the report identified:

  • Best practices
  • Roles of key actors: governments, parliaments, courts, national human rights institutions, civil society organisations and social movements.

The report also notes that systems of national protection are being redefined in terms of rights, a welcome move away from the understanding social benefits as charitable hand-outs. It argues that the right to food has entered a new phase: implementation. This is key as it moves from theory and law to practice. Grievance redress mechanisms (e.g. courts, social audits) are playing a role in promoting this change.

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Food4all festival and more … – presented to you by Grassroots science and partners

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food4allWhat are the current challenges facing our food systems. And what can be done? Get a taste of the problems and solutions at the 2nd edition of the Food4all festival. Part of the festival are: a regional farmers’ market, a documentary on Monsanto, a book presentation, and a dinner with music and gastronomic film. Later this year, a 2 day training on the right to food, agroecology and food sovereignty. For more information see the programme below or visit www.grassrootsscience.nl.

Grassroots science & partners are: OtherWise, ILEIA, Boerengroep, Lazuur, Fian, Transition Towns and Project EAT. Contact: leonardo.vandenberg@wur.nl

Also opportunities offered for MSc-thesis research, internship and Academic Consultancy Training (ACT) in 2nd educational period.

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SUPURBFOOD 1st International Seminar

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Vigo videoIn June, the SUPURBFOOD First International Seminar took place in Vigo (Spain). In order to contribute to improving the agro-food system’s ecological performance researchers, policymakers and SMEs from Europe and developing countries discussed the links between short food supply chains and other flows (e.g. nutrients, water, and urban waste) at the seminar. With attendance of over 60 people from 14 countries, a North-South dialogue has started on improving the agro-food system’s ecological performance.

The report on the dialogue, sharing of experiences, exchange of best practice and joint learning at the SUBURBFOOD First International Seminar aims to inspire participants and other interested readers to developing an integrated approach to urban and peri-urban food provision. By clicking on the images above, you can still watch the videos of the live streaming of the seminar. For more information on the SUPURBFOOD project and how you can participate, visit www.supurbfood.eu.

2 Events: Free lunch & Public lecture on Food Waste

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POSTER_Food waste eventsFirst Event

Organised by the Centre for Sustainable Development & Food Security (CSD&FS) of Wageningen UR and a team of enthusiastic volunteers:
TURNING FOOD FOR BINS INTO FOOD FOR KINGS
Did you know that more than one third of the global food supply is wasted between the farm and the mouth? Imagine, if this food was eaten, nobody would be hungry in the world! After New York, Paris and London, it is now time for the agrifood-city of Wageningen to take action on this pressing issue!
On 29 September 2013, between 12.30 and 16.00, Wageningen University Campus is hosting an event on food waste in front of the Orion building. There will be a warm, FREE LUNCH for 500 people, made from food that would normally be wasted! Mind you, a carrot that Continue reading →