Event Report (2) : how can we develop FoodTech and implement it to society?

FoodTech, a new food technology such as alternative proteins and 3D food printers, has attracted attention from a variety of perspectives, including sustainability, response to diverse consumer needs, and space development. On the other hand, in order to promote social implementation, there are issues such as understanding and acceptance by a wider range of people.

As a follow-up event of the Global Technology Governance Summit (GTGS), Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held an online symposium “Technologies for Changing Food Systems” with experts from industry, government and academia. The theme of the second session: how can we develop FoodTech and implement it to society?

Session 2 "Developing FoodTech and Implementing it to Society"
Presenters/Panelists:
Dr. Shin-ichi Ishikawa, Professor, School of Food Industrial Sciences, Miyagi University
Dr. Taichi Ishizaki, General Manager, Nutrition & Wellness Group, Sustainability Development Dept., Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
Mr. Hitoshi Sugiura, Executive Chef, Onodera Group
Moderator: Ms. Megumi Avigail Yoshitomi, the PR Manager of Association for Cellular Agriculture, the Center for Rule-making Strategies, Tama University

The outline of the meeting is here (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website)

Online Symposium: “Technologies for Changing Food Systems” : MAFF

Can we accept FoodTech in the future?

Prof. Ishikawa of Miyagi Univ. pointed out that; 
(1) Technology in the food sector is naturally selected like the evolution of organisms, and the selection pressure is social acceptance.
(2) Food neophobia, distrust of new technology, and sense of crisis against cultural loss can be "barriers" to social acceptance.
He also stated that below are important to overcome the “barriers”:
- Making FoodTech feel closer to people for food neophobia
- Discussing with all in advance for the sense of distrust of new technology
- Respecting existing food and Supporting coexist for a sense of crisis about the loss of culture

"In order to avoid mistrust in new technologies, it is essential to have discussions with all in advance, such as the U.S. ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues), the European Union's RRI (Responsible Research and Innovation), and Japan's co-creative scientific and technological innovation."

Utilizing FoodTech for nutrition improvement

Dr. Ishizaki of Ajinomoto introduced that his company has been engaging to improve the nutrition of consumers, while making use of company’s specialty of amino acids, without compromise on three perspectives, "taste", "access to food", and "the local way of life and individuals". He also expressed his view on the role of FoodTech.

"The scope of FoodTech's use extends to the entire food system, and it can contribute to people's mental and physical health and a sense of happiness. In view of the world in the future, FoodTech needs to contribute to sustainability, including nutrition improvement. The purpose of FoodTech is to solve food problems, and FoodTech has been used as an innovation in each era. It is important for partners with different strengths to co-create a greater use of FoodTech in the world."

Gastronomy and FoodTech’s possibilities

Mr. Sugiura of ONODERA GROUP said that cuisine can make people happy in a variety of fields. Then, as a social food gastronomy, he introduced that he has been engaged and will be engaged in a wide range of activities as a cook under the theme of solving social problems and enriching future society through food.

"By linking an aging society with smart cities, we will create a healthy and safe society through food × technology. We will connect from FoodTech to the world, encourage people to deal with environmental problems enjoyably from food. We will visualize the Earth from space and enhance the value of local food."

What is required for social implementation of FoodTech?

In the discussion, panelists commented on the following points:
- Stakeholders should visualize FoodTech’s favorable impacts on consumers and explain them effectively.
- It is important that a wider range of stakeholders including players in last mile delivery understand FoodTech.
- Communications between public and private sectors are essential to detect risks given by the new technologies.

Lastly, Ms. Yoshitomi, a moderator, explained the role that Japan should play in the world, and concluded Session 2.

"Japan has capabilities on development, research and communication, and can provide value to food around the world. In the midst of accelerating growth in the FoodTech market today, it is important for Japan to take initiatives that contribute to solving social issues."

In closing

FoodTech covers all stages of production, distribution, processing, and consumption, and it is not easy to understand the whole picture or individual technologies. However, deepening understanding, identifying issues, and coordinating through communication among diverse stakeholders will be a key to promoting smooth social implementation.

We look forward to contributing to design food system, including FoodTech, and the path to the future by participating in internal and global discussion  and disseminating information.

Author
Michihiro Higuchi
Fellow, World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Japan

"Event Report (1): Decarbonization" is here.