Food security - A growing dilemma | DW Documentary

DW Documentary

25 Oct 202228:26

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe video script highlights the need for sustainable farming practices to address global food security and environmental challenges. It showcases innovative approaches like growing chickpeas and quinoa, cultivating seaweed, and vertical farming to diversify diets, reduce land and water use, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The script features farmers and scientists in Germany and Denmark who are pioneering these methods to create a more resilient and eco-friendly food system.

Takeaways

🌱 Germany's reliance on imported produce highlights the vulnerability of long-distance supply chains, especially in light of the war in Ukraine.
🛑 The need for sustainable and local food production is emphasized to combat environmental threats and support a growing global population.
🌾 Traditional agriculture, if continued, would require an additional landmass equivalent to the size of Brazil to feed the projected population by 2050.
🌊 The cultivation of seaweed is proposed as a sustainable alternative food source, with the potential to support the global food chain.
👨‍🌾 Farmer Jonas Schulze Niehoff exemplifies the shift towards sustainable farming by producing local, nutritious, and varied food, such as chickpea tofu.
🌾 Chickpeas, a protein-rich pulse from the Middle East, are being grown in Eastern Germany as part of the transition to more sustainable crops.
🌱 The introduction of superfoods like quinoa, native to the South American Andes, is part of the effort to diversify and future-proof farming practices.
💧 Quinoa's drought resistance and low water requirements make it a suitable crop for regions experiencing changing climate conditions, like Saxony-Anhalt.
🔬 Agricultural scientist Urte Grauwinkel supports the cultivation of new and non-native crops, aiding in the development and testing of their viability.
🌿 The concept of 'superfoods' is linked to high nutritional value, and the local production of such foods like quinoa can help reduce the impact of global demand on native regions.
🌱 The promotion of new arable crops and the reduction of reliance on animal feed and biofuel are part of a broader effort to increase direct food production for human consumption.

Q & A

Why are traditional supply chains in Germany considered vulnerable?
-Traditional supply chains in Germany are considered vulnerable because they often rely on produce from far away, which can be disrupted by events such as the war in Ukraine, leading to empty shelves and highlighting the limitations of the current system.
What is the environmental concern associated with intensive farming?
-Intensive farming threatens the environment due to its resource-intensive nature, which can lead to deforestation, soil degradation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, thereby affecting our survival.
Why is the need for sustainable farming practices and new food sources emphasized in the script?
-The need for sustainable farming practices and new food sources is emphasized because the current methods are not sufficient to feed the growing global population without causing further environmental harm, especially considering the impact of climate change.
What is the significance of seaweed as an alternative food source mentioned in the script?
-Seaweed is significant as an alternative food source because it can be cultivated sustainably at sea, does not require land or freshwater, and has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of food production by absorbing CO2 and providing a healthy, diverse diet.
How does Farmer Jonas Schulze Niehoff contribute to sustainable agriculture?
-Farmer Jonas Schulze Niehoff contributes to sustainable agriculture by refining recipes and growing crops like chickpeas and quinoa, which are protein-rich and can be produced locally, reducing the need for imports and supporting a varied and nutritious diet.
What is the role of quinoa in the shift towards sustainable farming?
-Quinoa plays a role in the shift towards sustainable farming as it is a drought-resistant, nutrient-rich crop that can be grown in various climates, requiring less water than traditional crops like wheat, thus making it a more resilient and sustainable option.
How does the cultivation of non-native or forgotten crops help in adapting to climate change?
-The cultivation of non-native or forgotten crops helps in adapting to climate change by introducing varieties that are more resilient to new climate conditions, such as droughts, and by diversifying the types of crops grown, which can reduce the risk of crop failure due to weather variations.
What is the potential impact of growing quinoa on local food security and the environment in South America?
-The increased demand for quinoa in Europe has the potential to drive up prices in South America and threaten local supplies, but growing quinoa locally in Europe can reduce the environmental impact of transportation and contribute to local food security.
How does the script suggest reducing the risk of crop failure due to weather variations?
-The script suggests reducing the risk of crop failure by diversifying the types of crops grown. This approach minimizes the chance that all crops will fail simultaneously due to adverse weather conditions, thus increasing the resilience of the agricultural system.
What is the concept of 'Zukunftsspeisen' or 'future foods' in the script, and how does it aim to change the agricultural system?
-The concept of 'Zukunftsspeisen' or 'future foods' in the script refers to the promotion of quinoa, chickpeas, millet, lupini beans, hemp seeds, and lentils as alternative, climate-friendly, and drought-resistant crops. It aims to change the agricultural system by encouraging farmers to grow these crops and by educating consumers and the food industry about their benefits, thus creating a more sustainable and diverse food supply.
How does the vertical farming model presented in the script address food security and environmental concerns?
-The vertical farming model addresses food security by allowing for year-round production of crops in controlled environments, reducing the reliance on land and freshwater, and minimizing the use of fertilizers. It also addresses environmental concerns by significantly reducing water consumption, using renewable energy sources, and eliminating the need for transportation, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the potential of seaweed in reducing the carbon footprint of meat products, as mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions that incorporating seaweed into meat products can help reduce their carbon footprint. For example, replacing 30% of the beef in beefburgers with seaweed can lower the carbon footprint from 13.6 kilos to 9.5 kg per kilo, making it a more sustainable alternative.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Transition to Sustainable Farming

The script discusses the vulnerability of global supply chains, highlighted by the war in Ukraine, and the need for sustainable farming practices to support the growing global population without further damaging the environment. It introduces Jonas Schulze Niehoff, a German farmer who is transitioning to traditional and new crops like chickpeas and quinoa to promote local production and nutrition. His farm in Saxony Anhalt is an example of adapting to climate change by cultivating drought-resistant and nutritious crops.

05:01

🌿 Exploring New Crops and Seaweed Farming

This paragraph delves into the challenges and potential of cultivating new and forgotten crops, such as quinoa and hemp, which require trial and error due to regional unfamiliarity. It also introduces Joost Wouters's vision of seaweed farming as a solution to diversify diets and reduce reliance on monocultures. Seaweed cultivation is presented as a sustainable practice that requires no land or freshwater and can absorb significant amounts of CO2, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable food system.

10:03

🌾 Promoting Local Agriculture and Superfoods

The focus shifts to Urte Grauwinkel's efforts to promote superfoods like quinoa and chickpeas in Saxony-Anhalt, aiming to increase local food production and resilience. She collaborates with farmers and students to test the viability of non-native and underappreciated crops in the region. The 'Zukunftsspeisen' project is introduced, which encourages farmers and chefs to adopt new agricultural practices and recipes, enhancing the local food culture and security.

15:03

🏭 Innovations in Vertical Farming

The script presents the Nordic Harvest vertical farm, established by Anders Riemann, a former financial analyst turned farmer. This indoor farm in Copenhagen is noted for its high efficiency, using LED lighting and hydroponic systems to grow crops without soil, significantly reducing water and fertilizer usage. Vertical farming is portrayed as a sustainable solution to food production, offering year-round harvests and minimizing environmental impact.

20:05

🌊 Seaweed Integration into the Food Industry

The narrative follows Joost Wouters and his team's endeavor to integrate seaweed into the European food market through innovative products like seaweed sausages and burgers. They aim to reduce the carbon footprint of meat products by incorporating seaweed, which also offers health benefits. The potential of seaweed as a sustainable food source is emphasized, along with its role in mitigating climate change through CO2 absorption.

25:06

🌼 The Future of Farming and Food Security

The final paragraph wraps up the story by showcasing Jonas Schulze Niehoff and Urte Grauwinkel's continued efforts to promote climate-friendly and drought-resistant superfoods. They engage with consumers at organic markets to gather feedback and spread awareness about the importance of sustainable and diverse farming practices. The goal is to inspire a shift towards plant-based proteins and less land-intensive agriculture to ensure long-term food security.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sustainable farming

Sustainable farming refers to agricultural practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially acceptable. It is a key concept in the video as it addresses the need to shift from traditional agriculture to more sustainable methods to support the global food chain without harming the environment. The video showcases the cultivation of seaweed and quinoa as examples of sustainable farming practices, aiming to reduce the environmental impact and increase food security.

💡Supply chains

Supply chains describe the network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in producing and delivering a product or service. In the context of the video, supply chains are highlighted as vulnerable due to reliance on imports from distant locations, such as the impact of the war in Ukraine on food availability in Germany. The script emphasizes the importance of strengthening local supply chains through sustainable farming practices.

💡Superfoods

Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods considered beneficial for health and well-being. The term is used in the script to describe crops like quinoa and seaweed, which are promoted for their high nutritional value and potential to contribute to a healthier and more diverse diet. The video discusses the cultivation of these superfoods as part of a shift towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

💡Quinoa

Quinoa is a pseudocereal grain native to the South American Andes, known for its high protein content and nutritional value. In the video, quinoa is presented as a crop that can be grown in Europe, such as in Saxony Anhalt, as an alternative to traditional crops. It is highlighted as a hardy and drought-resistant crop that requires less water than wheat, making it a sustainable choice for areas experiencing changing climate conditions.

💡Seaweed

Seaweed refers to large marine algae, which are suggested in the video as a new and sustainable food source. The script discusses the potential of seaweed cultivation to contribute to the global food chain by providing a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional protein sources. Seaweed farming is presented as a way to reduce reliance on land and fresh water, while also absorbing CO2.

💡Food security

Food security encompasses the availability of food, access to it on a sustainable basis, and the stability of this access. The video discusses the challenges to global food security, such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts, and how sustainable farming practices and the cultivation of superfoods like quinoa and seaweed can help ensure a stable food supply for the growing global population.

💡Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, particularly those attributed to human activities. The script highlights how climate change is affecting traditional farming practices and necessitating the adoption of new crops and farming methods, such as drought-resistant quinoa and water-based seaweed cultivation, to adapt to changing conditions.

💡Agricultural scientist

An agricultural scientist is a professional who conducts research in the field of agriculture to improve farming practices and crop yields. In the video, Urte Grauwinkel, an agricultural scientist, is working with farmers to introduce new arable crops and promote sustainable farming practices. Her role is crucial in the development and implementation of innovative agricultural solutions to feed a growing population sustainably.

💡Vertical farming

Vertical farming is a method of producing food in vertically stacked layers, often using hydroponics or aeroponics, within controlled environments. The video introduces Nordic Harvest, a vertical farm in Copenhagen, as an innovative approach to urban farming that conserves water, reduces the need for fertilizers, and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with traditional agriculture.

💡Drought-resistant crops

Drought-resistant crops are plant varieties that can withstand low water conditions and grow in arid environments. The video mentions quinoa as an example of a drought-resistant crop that requires significantly less water than wheat. This characteristic is vital for regions experiencing water scarcity and hotter, drier summers due to climate change.

💡Food diversity

Food diversity refers to the variety of different foods in a diet or a region's food supply. The script emphasizes the importance of a varied diet for nutritional health and the cultivation of a range of crops for a resilient food system. The video discusses the introduction of new crops like chickpeas and quinoa to increase both dietary variety and the diversity of locally available food sources.

Highlights

Germany's reliance on imported produce highlights supply chain vulnerabilities, especially with the war in Ukraine.

The need for sustainable farming practices to support the global food chain and offer alternatives to intensive farming.

The potential of seaweed as a new food source for a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Jonas Schulze Niehoff's innovative approach to farming with chickpea tofu as a local and sustainable meal option.

The cultivation of quinoa, a superfood native to South America, in Eastern Germany as an adaptation to climate change.

The importance of crop diversity for risk reduction in farming and the exploration of non-native or forgotten crops.

The benefits of local food production, including energy and emission savings from reduced transportation.

The development of new drought-resistant crops like quinoa to adapt to changing climate conditions.

The role of agricultural scientists like Urte Grauwinkel in supporting innovative farmers with new crop development.

Joost Wouters' vision for seaweed cultivation as a solution to enrich diets and promote sustainability.

The potential of seaweed as a CO2 absorber and its role in creating healthier and more diverse diets.

The challenge of popularizing seaweed in Europe and the development of new recipes to increase its acceptance.

The concept of 'future foods' promoting local cultivation of new plants and the reduction of food waste.

The importance of involving the entire food chain, from farmers to consumers, in the shift towards sustainable agriculture.

The role of education and cookery courses in introducing new ingredients and promoting sustainable eating habits.

Anders Riemann's Nordic Harvest vertical farm as an innovative approach to urban food production and ecosystem preservation.

The efficiency of vertical farming in terms of water usage, land use, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The potential of seaweed-based products like sausages and burgers to reduce meat consumption and lower carbon footprints.

The transformative journey of individuals like Joost Wouters from the soft drinks industry to promoting sustainable food sources.

The mission to create a sustainable and resilient food system for future generations through innovative farming practices.

Transcripts

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