Regional food self-sufficiency potential in the European Alpine space
Caroline Pecher1, Thomas Marsoner2, Erich Tasser2
1Institute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Drususallee/Viale Druso 1, 39100, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy. caroline.pecher@eurac.edu.
Scientific Reports
|April 25, 2024
Summary
Regional food self-sufficiency in the European Alps is explored. The region could meet 89% of its food demand domestically by optimizing agriculture, but reducing meat consumption is key for sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Food Systems Analysis
Background:
- Improving food system sustainability is crucial, requiring shorter supply chains and regional food consumption.
- The European Alpine space faces challenges in food security and sustainable production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current potential for regional food self-sufficiency in the European Alpine space.
- To model future food self-sufficiency scenarios considering agricultural adjustments.
- To identify strategies for enhancing the sustainability of mountain food systems.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of regional food/feed energy balance.
- Derivation of per capita land footprint based on consumption rates.
- Modeling of regional food/feed self-sufficiency potential under various scenarios.
Main Results:
- Currently, 59% of available energy is domestically produced, with nearly 60% used for livestock feed.
- Land footprints range from 2301 to 2975 m² cap⁻¹ y⁻¹.
- Potential exists to meet 89% of domestic food demand through optimized cropping and partial intensification without land expansion.
Conclusions:
- The European Alpine space has significant potential for increased regional food self-sufficiency.
- Variability in self-sufficiency is influenced by population, land availability, yields, climate, and diets.
- Reducing animal product consumption is vital for lowering land footprint and boosting food self-sufficiency.
