ITAS journal 3/2014 published [17.11.2014]

Measured against the criteria of sustainability, the current food systems fail: They are a major source of environmental burdens and resource consumption, increase the need for transport, promote the wastage of edible food and cause food scarcity, hunger and malnutrition on the one hand, and obesity and diet-related diseases on the other hand. Although the driving forces responsible for this development are still active, there are also opposing trends seeking to overcome the current failure.

These possible pathways towards a more sustainable food system are at the centre of this thematic focus "Future Food Systems: Challenges and Perspectives". This includes the concept of sustainable intensification, a radical change in the prevailing consumption patterns, the reduction of food waste, a rethinking of the role of wholesale/retail, a shortening of the supply chains in line with a stronger focus on regional/local food, and a shifting of funds from direct payments to agro-environmental and animal welfare policies within the Common Agricultural Policy.

According to the main focus the issue includes two descriptions of TA projects. In addition, the discussion forum is about the role of scientific expertise in the example of the earthquake in Aquila, Italy. Finally, the issue includes reviews on relevant books, conference reports and news from ITAS, TAB and the TA Network. Particularly worth mentioning is the conference report to the last NTA conference in Vienna last June (Responsible Research and TA).