AUTHOR=Westengen Ola T. , Lecy Kate Schneider , Angelsen Arild , Aspholm Marina E. , Bjugstad Nils , Eriksen Siri H. , Haug Ruth , Karlsson Caroline , Olsen Hanne F. , Rognli Odd Arne , Schwarm Angela , Smedshaug Christian A. , Varela Paula 

TITLE=Three reasons why food system transformations are contested, and why food system scientists and policymakers should care

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1570961

DOI=10.3389/fsufs.2025.1570961

ISSN=2571-581X

ABSTRACT=Over the last years, consortia of researchers with mandates from high-level international policy forums have published comprehensive assessments and indicator frameworks defining human welfare needs and planetary boundaries for food systems transformations. Despite the evidence presented, scientific assessments and guidelines on food production and diets remain hotly contested. In this Perspective we discuss three reasons why this is so: goal conflicts, disciplinary framing, and power and influence. Understanding and addressing the reasons for discord and polarization are important to build common ground and mobilize the necessary collective action for food system transformations.