By: Matleena Autio
What does sustainability actually mean when it comes to food production? The climate impact or carbon footprint of products are topics that most often come up in conversations. We know that the climate impact of plant-based products is generally smaller than that of animal-based products. But what else does sustainability in food production mean? At least sustainable production methods in terms of animal welfare, sustainable land, and water use, as well as consideration of biodiversity.
JAMIX Supports Sustainable Practices in Food Production
In my childhood, talking about environmental issues was a thing for a small group. My parents supported my green awakening with good-natured smiles, but I remember them saying, “First, we need to sort out human affairs, and then we can think about nature and animals.” Since then, I have often remembered that statement, which so well reflects the mindset of its time. Today, we are aware that human well-being is to the greatest extent intertwined with environmental well-being. One planet, one health.
I want to think that in my work at JAMIX, I am involved in solving those problems that I have never been able to turn a blind eye to. Food production accounts for about a quarter of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, and if you take also land and water use into account, the impact of food production on our shared environment is significant. JAMIX is the leading system provider for professional kitchens, supporting its customers in developing food production in a sustainable direction not only in Finland but increasingly globally as well.
Sustainable Food Production Is Fair to Both Humans and the Environment
The EU’s Farm to Fork strategy aims for fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food production. The strategy essentially captures what my parents were wrong about in the 1980s. We cannot take care of people first without considering the environment at the same time. We cannot live apart from the environment; we are part of the world in which we live. Food production must be fair to both the people who prepare food and the environment in which we produce it. Producers of raw materials and food manufacturers must be able to rely on fair livelihoods and working conditions. In addition, we must ensure that the environment and animals are treated responsibly in the production processes.
The recently published Nordic nutrition recommendations take a stance not only on healthy dietary choices but also on what kind of food is good for the environment. The latest research further strengthens the view that a healthy diet is often also ecological. The publication of the Nordic nutrition recommendations has been followed with interest around the world. Finland’s national nutrition recommendations will also be updated during 2024. It will be interesting to see how the consideration of environmental impacts of food production will be reflected in them.
Together We Are More
At JAMIX, we actively follow the field of sustainable development. We want to be where things happen and offer our expertise to projects where our product can concretely help improve food production.
Collaboration and wise use of resources have been emphasized in delightful extent in industry events during the beginning of the year. We cannot waste valuable resources, whether they are raw materials or work hours, in any stage of production anymore. Collaboration is also a form of resource wisdom — each of us doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel, when we can accomplish things more efficiently and quickly by sharing information.
With JAMIX Kitchen Intelligence System, you can lead food production with data. You won’t be wasting resources when you order ingredients only as needed, and each kitchen can focus on its main tasks while the system takes care of background work. Background information and quantities of ingredients are easily and in real-time available in the system, allowing users to share the information with their stakeholders if desired.
Responsibility can be promoted in many ways, and everyone’s contribution is important. Add more local food or vegetables to the menu, reduce waste or lower the carbon footprint of everyday lunches — the choice is yours. At JAMIX, we help you achieve that goal. Because together we are more.
