Our new policy brief below outlines the policy pathways to progress food justice, providing guidance for government, industry and community stakeholders. Changing the food system will require all levels of government (and other stakeholders) to embrace fundamental shifts towards:
- A food systems approach to policy and planning that elevates food justice.
- Urgent action to respect, protect and enhance ecological systems on which food systems depend.
- Increased participation of civil society – especially fair food coalitions– in national and subnational food governance.
- Redesign of food policies to ensure concrete human rights outcomes through the urgent addition of Right to Food in legislation, and alignment of policies with the SDGs.
Policy Recommendations
Localising the SDGs through food justice in Australia will require major changes to food governance across multiple levels in the food system. For example, while food production within ecological boundaries will be actioned locally, this will be supported by wider shifts in agricultural policy, trade policy and land use planning at state and federal levels. Addressing equitable food access hand-in-hand with poverty reduction, gender equity, improved health and wellbeing, quality education, affordable and clean energy likewise require government policy coherence and commitment to collaborative action. Ensuring the meaningful participation of civil society in food system decision making requires innovative approaches to be developed at all levels, and for stronger support through financing, education and improved accountability mechanisms. Many of these changes are highlighted within our fair food futures scenarios and pathways for action – Watch the animation BELOW to hear how these scenarios can imagine a new way forward.
Overview of policy messages
In the video below, we summarise the scenarios and call on policy makers and advocates to consider how our findings might be addressed through governance reform.
We also invited some food system ‘experts’ to reflect on the ideas and actions put forth by each scenario. Below, they talk about the potentials and challenges associated with bringing these food justice visions to life…
Fair Food Futures 