Self or local production of food: local bread and cakes
Introduction
Scientific studies demonstrate how industrial agriculture is one of the major causes of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and generates pollution, overproduction and waste.
The aim of the module is not to completely discourage the use of industrial agriculture (we know that is impossible) but to improve awareness of how food production and transport methods can generate environmental and socio-economic problems.
In particular for wheat, often industrially produced in unsuitable territories, it has been shown that there is an impoverishment of nutritional values and an excessive use of pesticides and other chemical products.
On the contrary, the recovery of ancient local seeds has improved the quality of the flours and the bread produced and generated positive consequences in the local economy and in the recovery of abandoned agricultural territories.
The objective will be to highlight how local agricultural production, and in particular the organic production, generates greater benefits both in terms of quality of food and general sustainability (social, economic and environmental).
Students will see short videos and materials from the web on these topics.
Objectives
- To enable students to understand the impact of industrial agricultural production and how to reverse the production process towards local, zero km production that favors small local producers.
- Understand the significance of self production of food and its role in sustainability and in sustainable agriculture and food security in the future.
- Understand how self-production of food can reduce food waste by valorising one’s work.
- Understand that anyone can make bread or cakes at home (or at school).
- understand how to encourage the consumption of local agricultural products to support small organic agricultural businesses.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this learning scenario, students will be able to:
- Explain the importance of local production of food and its impact on the environment and local economy as conseguence.
- Analyse and discuss the environmental consequences of massive use of industrial agriculture.
- Plan ways to stimulate the consumption of locally produced grains and the self-production of bread or cakes.
- Promote self-production or consumption of local products also through visually appealing posters or digital video.