Label Detective: Exploring Sustainable Food Choices

Introduction

Sustainable agriculture and product labelling are often connected. Product labels, such as “organic,” “fair trade,” or “sustainably sourced,” indicate that certain agricultural practices were employed during the production process. Sustainable agriculture aims to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote ethical practices. Product labels serve as a way for consumers to identify and support products that align with their values regarding sustainability and responsible farming practices.

Objectives

Potential objectives:

• To enable students to understand the relationship between product labeling and sustainable agriculture
• Identify Sustainable Agriculture Principles
• Analyze Food Product Labels
• Connect Labels to Sustainable Agriculture Principles
• Conduct In-Depth Research
• Communicate Findings Effectively
• Enhance Consumer Awareness

Learning outcomes

By the end of this learning scenario, students will be able to:

• will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agriculture principles, including environmental practices, social responsibility, and certifications.
• will develop the ability to critically analyze food product labels, identifying symbols, certifications, and information related to sustainable agriculture.
• will establish connections between the observed elements on food labels and broader principles of sustainable agriculture, recognizing how certain practices contribute to environmental and social well-being.
• will enhance their research skills by investigating specific labels, exploring criteria and standards associated with sustainable agriculture, and presenting their findings coherently.
• will improve their communication skills through group presentations, articulating the relationship between the assigned label and sustainable agriculture to their peers.
• will develop a heightened awareness of the impact of consumer choices on sustainable agriculture practices, making informed decisions when selecting food products.
• Will engage in reflective activities, fostering self-awareness regarding their perceptions of labels and how their understanding has evolved throughout the learning scenario.
• will work collaboratively in small groups, promoting teamwork, discussion, and the exchange of ideas during the research and presentation phases.