In every society, food has been held as a sacred and significant aspect of its culture and traditions. During the last few decades, however, the way food is grown, made and eaten has changed considerably. Increasingly, we seem to be having very little actual knowledge of the foods we eat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider what is happening to food and our health today –

1. 1.The huge popularity of fast foods and processed foods in Western Countries has led to alarming levels of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, obesity etc. They are now becoming popular in India - even in educational institutions and hospitals.
   

2. 2.During the last three decades there have been several Research studies and books, revealing the dangers of trans-fats, excito-toxins, sugar substitutes and other chemicals used in processed foods. While the West is beginning to worry about its processed foods, countries like India are happily embracing them.
   

3. 3.Very few shops in cities sell pesticide-free vegetables. Processed ingredients like wheat, rice, meat etc often have pesticide residues in them which we are not aware of. Chemicals in foods are said to be one of the causes of cancers today.
   

4. 4.More than 2000 chemicals are used in processed foods like jams, cheese, sausages, biscuits, chips, beverages, etc. Several of these, which are banned in some western countries are being used recklessly in India.
   

5. 5.Genetically Modified Foods are expected to enter India in a big way – while the campaign against GM Foods the world over is intensifying because of its known and unknown potential for disaster.
   

6. 6.According to FAO (2006) Green House Gas emissions from meat and livestock production accounts for 18% of total G H G emissions.
   

7. 7.In all over 32% of Green House Gas Emisssions are found to be caused by the Chemical agriculture and food industry.
   

Positive Steps Forward...

The world over, processed foods, chemical agriculture and GM Foods are replacing healthy, low carbon food cultures and traditions. Triggered by the climate change crisis, several organisations, scientists and writers are publishing scientific information and analyses regarding our foods, agriculture, food security, the climate change crises etc.,

Issues regarding food are linked to issues concerning the ecology of our Planet. A reductionist approach in Science and Economics that externalises the costs to the environment has been destructive of human well being as well as of the biodiversity of the earth.

To take positive steps forward, individual and community action will be required as much as Governmental action (which may be too slow or too late for many of us). This conference of Scientists, Environmentalists, Organic Farmers, N G Os, Educators and others would help us look at solutions to food related problems at both the personal and macro levels.

1. Prespective