New Initiative 'Social Security of Food' Aims to Tackle Global Food Challenges by 2025
The current food system is facing severe challenges, with issues like food insecurity, health problems, and environmental degradation persisting despite decades of efforts. To address these, a new initiative, the Social Security of Food (SSA), has emerged, aiming to guarantee the right to food, fair remuneration for producers, and reduce the negative impacts of the food system.
The SSA, supported by a national collective of civil society organizations, is inspired by the historical process that led to the creation of the Social Security system in the United States. This system, established after nearly two centuries of social experiments and political decisions, aimed to help individuals face life risks and imagine living beyond working periods.
The SSA seeks to tackle pressing issues such as the disappearance of small farms due to international competition, which forces others to intensify production. This, in turn, contributes to land and water pollution, and a significant decline in farm bird populations. Furthermore, food-related pathologies, like diabetes, are increasing at an alarming rate.
By 2025, 8 million people in France are expected to face food insecurity, having to reduce food quantity and quality and rely on food aid. Currently, nearly 18% of farmers live below the poverty line.
The SSA, with its focus on guaranteeing the right to food and fair remuneration for producers, seeks to address these urgent issues. It aims to reduce the negative impacts of the food system, ensuring that no one lacks the means for decent subsistence. The SSA is not just a response to immediate needs but a vision for a sustainable and equitable food system for the future.
