Teach-in: a critical approach to the digitalisation of food systems

This webinar serveS as an introductory session to provide key elements for understanding the phenomena of the digitalisation of food systems from seed to stomach (also known as the 4.0 revolution in food and agriculture). It was organized in two 45 min teach-ins with 15 min for Q&A.

Session 1: Power and technology: the digital food chain | By ETC Group

What is “the digital food chain" and what networks of power are behind it? What are the technologies involved in the "digitalisation'' of each link of the agrifood chain? What is the role of artificial intelligence and data mining? We explore the connections between big corporate tech and food players and digital platforms, assess corporate concentration in these sectors, and unpack the role States play when it comes to deploying technologies and enabling monopolistic practices. We introduce the concept and political implications of bio-digital convergence.

Session 2: Food, data, and capitalism: a new business model | By IT For Change

We explore key elements enabling us to better understand the new digital economy and surveillance capitalism and how it is being applied to food. What is the connection to green capitalism and the financialisation of nature? What is data in this context, and particularly, data for food systems (also increasingly known as “surveillance agriculture”). We will share elements of the geopolitics of digital deployment (for example, China’s creation of a Digital Silk Route).

Further information

Current rapid technological changes include the ongoing deployment of programs to transform food chains and the intensification of corporate mergers and ventures among big ag and big tech. There is an urgent need for civil society movements to understand and assess what these changes mean to the defense of the peasant food web and food sovereignty.

This introductory teach-in is part of a series of activities under the “Food, Data and Justice Dialogues” to build capacities to assess digital technologies in food and agriculture, an initiative of the JustNET Coalition and of The Long Food Project.

For any additional questions or information requirements, please contact Soledad Vogliano [email protected]