Changing Food Systems and Implications for Sustainable Communities: Cyprus, Canada, And Brazil (Report‪)‬

Abstract Food systems worldwide have changed as a result of the increasing industrialization in agriculture, consolidation in the food chain (production, processing and distribution), and shifting diets and food cultures. This development has increased access to foods (especially imported ones) in many parts of the world. The resulting ecological, socio-economic and cultural changes, however, are not always conducive to human health or sustainable communities. This paper identifies some of those changes, as well as weaknesses and strengths in the food systems in four different areas of the world: Cyprus, Europe; Nunavut and Waterloo Region, Canada; and Feira de Santana, Brazil. These observations rely on a review of academic literature and government documents, in addition to field work and key informant interviews in all three countries. The cases reveal the emergence of a wide breadth of complex challenges, some of which are shared despite geographical or cultural differences. Along with the internationalization of food systems, has been the rapid demise of environmentally-sound small-scale agriculture, family farm enterprises, traditional food cultures and diets. This trend has had a severe impact on community welfare and on the sustainability of food systems. As discussed in this paper, many features of those traditional systems of food production, distribution and consumption are now recognized as key for the promotion of healthy, sustainable communities.