Sustainable Food Systems

The Sicilian food system, rich in traditional products and local knowledge, is at a point where a move toward greater sustainability has become essential. Increasing pressure from climate change, water scarcity, and the impacts of intensive agricultural practices threaten soil fertility and the resilience of rural communities. At the same time, food waste and unsustainable consumption patterns further weaken the entire supply chain. Promoting sustainable food systems means strengthening agroecological practices, enhancing local crop varieties, supporting short supply chains, and encouraging residents and visitors to make responsible choices, so that the island’s agricultural vocation can evolve into a fairer, more resilient model that safeguards ecosystems. SEF funds initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainability of food systems through the following actions:

-Adoption of agroecology as an integrated and holistic approach to safeguard the landscape and agricultural biodiversity, encouraging practices that reduce the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and improve soil resilience;

-Technical support for small-scale farmers and winemakers to preserve traditional rural landscapes threatened by land abandonment and intensive agricultural practices;

-Advancement of short supply chains and local markets to enhance traditional products and reduce the environmental impact of food distribution.