Self or local production of food: mushrooms and edible plants

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.
The objective will be to highlight how local agricultural production, and in particular self-produced or organic production, generates greater benefits both in terms of quality and general sustainability.
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 favours 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 a small vegetable garden or grow edible plants and mushrooms at home or at school.
• understand how to encourage the consumption of local seasonal agricultural products to support small organic agricultural businesses.
• design a school or home self-production model of a small vegetable garden or grow edible plants.

Learning outcomes

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

• Explain the importance of self production of food and its impact on the environment and local economy as consequence.
• Analyse and discuss the environmental consequences of massive use of industrial agriculture.
• Plan ways to stimulate the self-production of food or consumption of locally produced food.
• Promote self-production or consumption of local products also through visually appealing posters or digital video.