Background:
Promoting Indigenous Superfoods and Circular Food Systems Indigenous foods, including superfoods, and circular food systems stand out as instrumental in reimagining our path to a green transition in agriculture. Across the globe, indigenous superfoods are making waves not just for their exceptional nutrient content, but also for their potential to bolster sustainable development. These nutrient powerhouses are often adapted to local climates, making them more resilient to climate change, and can be grown using fewer resources compared with conventional crops, minimising their ecological footprint. With the increasing demand from consumers and its natural sustainability potential, indigenous superfoods emerge as crucial for green agriculture and food production. But how can we elevate their impact further? The answer lies in circular food systems. Circular food systems pivot away from the traditional linear methodologies of production and consumption. By emphasizing resource efficiency, waste reduction, and recycling, they present a holistic approach to food, where everything—from cultivation to consumption—is geared towards sustainability. Superfoods can be cultivated, consumed, and reintroduced into the system, ensuring minimal wastage and optimal resource use. Integrating superfoods into circular cycle means we capitalize on their nutritional benefits while ensuring that their cultivation and processing leave the smallest environmental trace and foster a more resilient and sustainable food system. By fostering sustainable agricultural practices and reducing waste, governments can ensure food security, economic stability, and resilience against environmental challenges. By championing the synergy between superfoods and circular food systems, governments can catalyse the shift towards a future where health and sustainability go hand in hand. Investing in this nexus is an investment in the planet, the economy, and the well-being of people.
The objective of the webinar is to identify and discuss opportunities for promoting indigenous superfoods and circular food systems towards the green agricultural transition. The webinar will aim to explore government and industry action and policy options and their impact in areas such as:
• Cultivation and consumption of indigenous and traditional superfoods • Encouraging ecological farming practices and adopting quality standards
• Promoting circular production systems
• Promoting the export of superfoods and improving the supply chain by involving local farmers and small producers • Encouraging research and development of new superfoods from local ingredients Potential topics to be covered:
• Connections between superfoods and indigenous foods and green transition in agriculture, including circular food systems • National regulations, strategies and policies to promote superfoods and indigenous foods and green transition in agriculture, including circular food systems
• Investment promotion in superfoods and indigenous foods and green transition in agriculture, including circular food systems
• Opportunities for south-south collaboration for the promotion of superfoods and indigenous foods and green transition in agriculture, including circular food systems The webinar is designed for policymakers, business owners, investors, and other stakeholders who are interested in the promotion of superfoods and circular food systems.
Expected Outcomes:
• Identification of trends around the promotion of indigenous superfoods, circular food systems and green agricultural transition
• Identification of opportunities for cooperation among Latin American and South-Asian countries
The webinar will be open to the public and consist of country presentations focused on objectives and priorities related to the promotion of superfoods and indigenous foods and green transition in agriculture, including circular food system and opportunities for south-south collaboration.