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Project title

A critical analysis of food policy development in Ireland in the context of a healthy and sustainable food system

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

�Food systems� are made up of interacting elements encompassing production, supply chains, food environments and the social and economic systems they are embedded in. Food systems operate at high cost to human and planetary health. For example, inequalities within systems drive food insecurity, with almost 3 billion people unable to afford a healthy diet. In turn, sub-optimal diets are a top risk factor for disease and death (cf. Global Burden of Disease 2020). Food systems contribute to and are also vulnerable to environmental challenges such as emissions, biodiversity loss and resource overuse. Encroachment of food production on wild habitats leads to pathogens harboured in those habitats crossing over into humans. Transforming a food system into a more healthy, equitable and sustainable one requires a �whole systems� approach. Specifically, food policymaking should be coherent and take into account the interdependent elements making up the system, including agriculture, trade, public health and the environment. Such policymaking should expressly address the trade-offs to be made between these elements. The agri-food sector is vital to the Irish economy. Agri-food Strategy 2030 calls for coherent food policies, but to date there has been limited research undertaken to evaluate national food policymaking in Ireland in the context of healthy and sustainable food. This project aims to fill this research gap and to set out recommendations for coherent policymaking for food systems transformation in Ireland. This will be achieved by providing a critical report on current food policymaking, including a secondary outcome on the coherence of relevant policies. A further outcome will be to provide an evaluation of the impact of a policy action on key levers for a sustainable and healthy food system in Ireland. The results of the project will provide fundamental evidence needed to develop food policy that prioritises sustainability and health.

Grant Approved

�110,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026