Sustainability Food Chain Granada

Abstract

The food industry is accountable for between 25-37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. One of the biggest regions for food production in Europe is Spain. Food production in Spain is responsible for having 10% of total global GHG emissions for the entire of Europe. To be more specific, the main food production is originated from south of Spain, Andalusia. As Granada being an important province in Andalusia for food production, it is a critical region to focus on for reduction of GHG emissions by the food industry. Therefore, this research is conducted in Granada to research where individual nodes of the food chain can become more sustainable. This is research is executed by in-depth interviews with individual companies within each sector about the current sustainability strategies, as well as understanding daily business processes and problems. These interviews give insight into; first, the value processes in the food chain, second, current roadblocks and third, possible solutions that could reinforce sustainable strategies for the company. Together with the problem owner, Biomimicry Granada, we used these insights to generate concept strategies in which the Biomimicry Team could help improve the food value chain. The outcomes of the conclusion focused on education and consultancy. First solution is developing primary school lesson programs about sustainable food to reach young people that could easily be influenced to change their future consumption habits. The second solution is to begin a consultancy company that advices producers and processors about organic farming, reduction of energy and packaging impact, the latter two by means of a materiality assessment.