Solving Food System Challenges with the “AND” Approach

Events like a global pandemic or cargo ships getting stuck in the Suez Canal can make you think a little harder about the impact these types of incidents have on the global food system. They show us firsthand how significant disruptions to the world’s food supply chain can have far-reaching ripple effects.

Our food system is resilient; however, the global supply chain is experiencing significant transformation. Ongoing challenges to the food system range from localized consumer preferences to global climate pressure, all of which change how we grow and distribute food.

Most organizations are very aware that innovation is critical to their survival. With this, comes the challenge of creating a culture where innovation can succeed. So, how do you do that? Innovation begins with each individual. It begins with creating an environment that encourages leaders to foster and reward creativity and collaboration in their teams, to actively encourage novel approaches and thinking outside the box, and to lead with the vision that each and every employee has the potential to be a leader in their workspace.

If we are going to successfully overcome these challenges, we’ll need to think and act more holistically. The components of our food system are undeniably interconnected – with moving parts that must function well both independently AND together to work optimally. We need food system leaders with the knowledge and leadership skills to:

Feed a growing population AND do it sustainably
Act globally AND locally
Grow organically AND conventionally
Develop fresh AND shelf-stable foods
Use historical AND innovative technologies

The challenges are integrated, so the solutions must be as well. When you understand the complexities and the connections, you can make bigger, broader changes that work for the whole, rather than just one small part. Making decisions using a mutual “AND” approach drives greater impact for the entire system.

We must be willing to break boundaries and work outside our own area of expertise. Broadening our perspective in this way will increase collaboration, expand our thinking, and promote better outcomes for our food system.

The University of Minnesota Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program is designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers. The IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system. IFSL is a Post-Baccalaureate Regents Certificate program aimed at bridging the gap between traditional food system education and a professional leadership program.

Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Schedule a consultation call for more information.