(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) To discuss opportunities and challenges facing Oman in production and consumption of locally grown and sustainable foods the Oman Animal & Plant Genetics Resource Centre (OAPGRC) will organise a discussion as part of its Science Café series at Lulu Al Bandar on Wednesday.
A press release stated that by 2050 the world's population will reach 9.1bn a rise of 30 per cent compared to today and nearly all of this increase will occur in developing countries.
'Urbanisation will continue at an accelerated pace and about 70 per cent of the world's population will live in cities. Income levels will be many multiples of what they are now. In order to feed this larger more urban and richer population food production will have to increase by 70 per cent. In GCC population growth increase in the number of tourists and per capita income will see food consumption reach 49.1mn metric tonnes by 2017' a release stated.
'Given these factors and the challenges of climate change there is a very real threat to food security. It is important we look at ways of strengthening our local food system and growing more sustainable produce' said Dr Nadiya al Saady executive director OAPGRC.
'As more consumers become conscious about what they eat where it comes from how it is produced how it impacts health and well-being - demand for fresh healthy locally-sourced food will continue to rise. It is crucial that we look at ways of boosting our local food system to feed a growing population. In other words we need to localise our sustainable food supply to the greatest level possible' added Dr Nadiya.
The sustainable-food movement with a focus on local food networks and healthy eating has proven to be increasingly popular among consumers. Usually sold within 24 hours of being harvested locally-produced fruits and vegetables are fresher and taste better.
'Local produce doesn't just taste better' said Dr Nadiya adding 'It leads to money being reinvested in our communities creating jobs and by cutting the distance food travels it reduces carbon emissions. It is within this context we hope that the Science Café session will help us identify the barriers and opportunities for building a thriving local food economy.'
Malik al Gahdhami from Alsiraj Hospitality and Dareen Mehdi from Oman Botanical Gardens will take part in the discussion which will begin at 7.30pm.
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