Keywords:
Abstract:
Effective governance is needed to achieve the aims of the decadal plan for nutrition science in Australia. Nutrition science has the potential to significantly improve human and planetary health, yet strong political and commercial forces undermine achievements in this area. Avoidable, butrition-sensitive diseases are reaching epidemic proportions with adverse social, economical and environmental consequences.
Nutrition science is the study of food systems including nutrients, foods and dietaryt patterns, as well as their interactions within and between biological, social and environmental systems. It is complex and continously changing. The nutrition science vision is to acheive and sustain a food system that ensures food and nutrition security for all Australians as a fundamental human right.
Although good governance is increasingly called for in all areas of nutrition science, clear definition of what constitutes good governance, as well as the development and refinement of principles and mechanisms for implementation, is needed. The growing complexities and contested nature of food and nutrition policy, practice, and research make it necessary to clarify where and how decision making occurs within the food and nutrition system. It is also essential to establish the processes that support effective governance from paddock to plate.
This paper discusses the new nutrition science paradigm, priorities and challenges for the next decade in Australia. It critically explores major challenges- including the neoliberal political order; commercial conflicts of interest exacerbated by the role of technology, social and other media; and limited research infrastructure and resources. It also proposes a model for effective governance, including a recommendation for a peak nutrition science body to help meet the challenges and ensure the pathway for a healthier Australia by 2027 and beyond.