SUMMARY PRESENTATION
The Smart Food Portal involves the implementation of a digital platform with integrated artificial intelligence (IAI) to optimize the management and efficiency of a national supply chain and facilitate the strengthening of local food production, daily home distribution and the use of 100% recoverable standardized modular packaging.
The consumption of sustainable and predominantly local foods is a future strategy to guarantee food security, support local autonomy and reduce the environmental impact associated with international supply chains and also food waste that represents almost half of the world’s industrial production, in the global process, from seed to trash.
The Smart Food Portal is a connection point between production-processing-preservation, distribution-recovery and consumption. This instrument is a source of health benefits and a resource for environmentally friendly food practices.
THE SMART FOOD PORTAL
Below, the more detailed presentation of the Smart Food Portal describes the nature of its digital platform, the design of the standardized modular packaging it plans to use, the operation of the deposit system guaranteeing the recovery and reuse of 100% of food packaging, the logistics of daily food distribution to citizens, the means to ensure the extension of organic agricultural production year-round, the creation of sustainable food autonomy involving the transformation, preservation and preparation of food and intercollectivism within the Regional Autonomist Federation.
NATIONAL DIGITAL PLATFORM
The Smart Food Portal uses energy-efficient technologies for the portal’s servers and infrastructure and offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate for all users, whether they are producers or consumers. This includes a mobile version of the platform to allow easy access from smartphones and tablets.
The database is used to manage product information, including their sustainability and provenance. Algorithms to recommend products based on consumer preferences and consumption trends and a system of notifications and alerts informs users of special offers, new products and updates.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated to improve the management and efficiency of the portal, including in terms of supply chain optimization, logistics and route optimization, improving customer experience and food quality and safety management.
For example, predictive models based on the analysis of historical consumption data, seasonal trends, local events and climate data are used to accurately forecast product demand and adjust forecasts in real time based on changes in demand, promotions and consumer purchasing behaviors. AI systems manage inventory levels in real time and automate replenishment orders based on demand forecasts and minimum stock thresholds and minimize excess or stockouts through better inventory management.
AI algorithms optimize delivery routes, taking into account traffic, weather conditions and delivery windows, to reduce transportation costs and improve delivery times, optimize vehicle utilization based on planned routes, load capacities and delivery schedules and manage the collection of modular packaging by optimizing routes for returns.
AI can also play a beneficial role in quality management, including tracking the complete traceability of food products from farm to table, monitoring storage and transportation conditions, detecting anomalies and flagging potential issues in real time, using AI vision systems to inspect food products, detect defects or contaminants, and ensure compliance with quality standards.
STANDARDIZED MODULAR PACKAGING
In fact, we have mountains of recycled glass just waiting to be reused to reduce carbon footprint and production costs.
Therefore, the design of modular recycled glass packaging consists of creating bottles and containers with standardized shapes and various sizes and modular to allow easy stacking and storage. This compatibility of different ergonomic sizes and shapes allows for interconnection and efficient transportation. Standardization of cap and closure types is designed to simplify usage, production and recycling.
The design incorporates a high percentage of recycled glass in manufacturing using advanced glass sorting, processing and purification technologies to improve efficiency, purity of recycled materials and to produce high quality packages with minimal tolerance to defects.
Optimizing the durability of standardized modular packaging involves tempering techniques to strengthen the glass, proper annealing to eliminate internal stresses and thus increase resistance to impacts and shocks. The application of anti-scratch coatings to protect the glass surface from minor damage, the use of hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings to facilitate cleaning and extend the life of the packages and chemical processes, such as ionic strengthening increase durability.
Finally, optimizing thickness to reduce weight while maintaining strength and the incorporation of hollow structures or surface patterns can reduce mass without compromising the modular packaging strength.
This 100% recyclable packaging solution results in the best production-consumption practices and several opportunities for innovation.
REGIONAL DEPOSIT SYSTEM
Technically, the use of the portal imposes a deposit on each package at the time of purchase and when returning the empty package, the refund is automatic.
On the ground, collection points are established in strategic areas to recover the packaging via automated collection machines. The portal optimizes reverse logistics to transport the recovered packaging to regional cleaning centers where washing and sterilization facilities prepare the standardized modular packaging for a new destination. All this is done using traceability technology from QR codes or RFID chips on each package allowing real-time programming and monitoring of its life cycle in the centralized database accessible to stakeholders.
A mobile application allows consumers to track their deposits, locate collection points and manage their refunds. The portal sends appropriate notifications and reminders to consumers regarding the return of packaging and informs them about nearby collection points.
The Smart Food Portal raises awareness among citizens about the importance of recycling and sustainable food choices and provides them with nutrition information and healthy eating tips. In addition, loyalty programs, rewards and recurring discounts encourage regular orders and the return of packaging.
By following this plan, the deposit system implemented guarantees the recovery and reuse of 100% of food packaging. The Smart Food Portal thus encourages sustainable practices and becomes an important contribution to reducing waste and the overall carbon footprint.
DAILY HOME DELIVERY
Let’s take as an example, a community of a thousand residences whose occupants travel on average one kilometer in a gasoline vehicle each day to buy food products. In theory, in a single optimized trip, one or two electric vehicles can replace a thousand trips! No need to explain here in detail the positive impact of daily home delivery.
However, the daily distribution of groceries to citizens requires careful planning of the « Order-Prep-Deliver » mechanism and integration of efficient technologies to ensure consumer satisfaction.
The pillars of the distribution infrastructure are established in regional distribution centers located in strategic areas to effectively cover urban and rural areas.
The installation of local distribution hubs facilitates timely delivery, reduces distances traveled and ensures refrigerated storage capacity for perishable products.
Logistics and delivery is carried out via a fleet of electric vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint of food supply to citizens.
The tracking technology of the Smart Food Portal optimizes the delivery routes of vehicles through geolocation.
In short, a consumer places an order via the Smart Food Portal mobile application or website, his order is processed at a regional distribution center and then transferred to the nearest local hub. An electric vehicle delivers the order to the consumer’s home within the chosen time slot and each package is scanned for updating in the database.
YEAR-ROUND ORGANIC FARM PRODUCTION
The extension of the growing season allows vegetables to be grown even in winter. Appropriate facilities protect plants from late or early frosts and also provide a barrier against insects and certain diseases, thus reducing the need to use pesticides.
For example, various types of « Agricultural Tunnels », i.e. greenhouses or semi-rigid structures generally made of metal or PVC with hoops covered with plastic film are ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruits due to good ventilation and humidity control.
Various heating systems can be considered to maintain optimal temperatures during cold periods, including solutions such as gas heating, electricity or renewable energy heating systems.
Heat pumps are also effective options for maintaining an optimal temperature in greenhouses, particularly in winter. They offer an economical and sustainable solution for heating by using thermal energy available in the environment. Heat pumps can be geothermal or ground-water, using heat stored in the ground to heat water circulating in the greenhouse. Water-water heat pumps use heat from a water source such as a nearby river or lake to heat a water circuit used in the greenhouse.
SUSTAINABLE LOCAL FOOD AUTONOMY
Sustainable local food production is inclusive and encourages the creation of urban farms, urban and peri-urban agriculture, to produce vegetables, fruits and fresh herbs and develop community gardens where citizens can grow their own food.
However, local food autonomy is more aimed at rural areas where modern cultivation techniques such as organic farming, hydroponics and aquaponics can be applied, as well as sustainable fishing, environmentally friendly aquaculture and livestock production according to extensive livestock practices to produce meat, eggs and dairy products in a sustainable manner and on a scale compatible with the regional population.
A priori, to meet local food needs, the implementation of sustainable food production requires the analysis of local resources starting with a mapping of available agricultural land, local soils and climatic conditions as well as the assessment of available water resources and their quality for irrigation in order to determine the types of crops and livestock suitable for the region. This zonal planning also serves to delimit specific areas for different types of crops and livestock and to establish conservation zones to preserve biodiversity and ensure the conservation of certain natural ecosystems.
In order to achieve sustainability goals, it is essential to develop sustainable agricultural infrastructure and technologies based on organic farming methods without harmful chemicals and permaculture principles to create sustainable and resilient ecosystems.
Beyond this exercise, it is necessary to integrate precision agriculture with crop monitoring and management technologies to optimize drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting techniques, the use of greenhouses and tunnels to extend growing seasons year-round, the optimization of composting and the use of natural fertilizers to sustainably enrich soils.
In order to strengthen local capacities, the Smart Food Portal organizes workshops to train local farmers on sustainable practices and new technologies and educates communities on the benefits of local and sustainable foods.
Ultimately, local autonomy involves food processing, preservation and preparation. This leads communities to create their own local processing units, small factories equipped to ensure the preservation of products and to prepare and package balanced meals from local products. In this regard, collaboration with nutritionists serves to develop balanced menus adapted to the nutritional needs of different populations and to ensure a variety of meals that can meet the various tastes and specific dietary needs of citizens.
INTERCOLLECTIVISM
Support to communities is reflected in awareness raising, scalable training and online workshops to educate producers and consumers on sustainable agricultural practices and food management.
This Intercollectivism is based on partnership and collaboration between collectives, communities and regions within the Regionalist Autonomist Federation.
In this spirit, working together with universities and research centres to integrate the latest discoveries in sustainability and agriculture is necessarily at the centre of overall community engagement. Collaboration between communities, producer associations and institutions strengthens the credibility of the portal and expands its network.
In addition, discussion forums where users can share their experiences and ask questions, local events to promote sustainable products and strengthen the community around the portal are a complement to the educational resources of the portal that offer guides, articles and videos on nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food preservation techniques.
THE REASONS
NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION
Natural resource depletion includes renewable resources, such as water and soil, and non-renewable resources, such as minerals.
Industrial agriculture and intensive farming practices deplete soils and make them more vulnerable to erosion. The consequences of industrial agriculture, such as deforestation, habitat degradation and pollution lead to biodiversity loss and species extinction.
In addition, population growth and urbanization are placing increased demands on natural resources for food, water, and energy, and are contributing to climate change.
FOOD SHORTAGES
Food shortages can be caused by a combination of natural, economic, and social factors.
However, climate change is now causing extreme weather conditions, such as prolonged droughts, floods or storms, all of which affect crop growth, agricultural yields and the frequency of diseases and pests.
Despite the advancement of agricultural technologies to improve yields, improved resource management, disease resistance through biotechnologies, etc., the capacity of food systems to respond to potential disruptions and maintain food security can no longer guarantee sustainability and equitable access to food resources for the entire world population. In addition, disruptions in supply chains could significantly affect the availability and price of food products in the near future.
However, by adopting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in clean technologies and developing contingency plans, communities and local authorities can improve their capacity to anticipate and mitigate the impacts of food shortages, thus ensuring more robust and resilient food security, at local and regional scales.
SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITY
A number of factors can affect the availability and stability of products globally : health crisis, geopolitical instability, failing infrastructure, economic problems, diplomatic tensions, market volatility and an increase in future natural disasters.
Information system failures, cyberattacks and communication disruptions can disrupt supply chains by affecting the production, transportation and demand of products, as can potential global epidemics.
Armed conflicts and possible wars could disrupt supply chains by blocking trade routes, destroying critical infrastructure or imposing economic sanctions. Hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires can also damage major infrastructure, disrupt harvests and interrupt supply chains.
More simply, aging and poorly maintained infrastructures, such as roads and rail networks, can limit the efficiency and resilience of supply chains and moreover, seaports, which are key links in the international supply chain, will be increasingly stressed by the inevitable rise in sea levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The transport of food over long distances, often by plane or ship, contributes to a high carbon footprint, exacerbating climate change issues.
Imported food often requires additional packaging for transport, increasing waste and pollution.
The expansion of industrial agriculture to support export markets is leading to excessive deforestation and consequently significant biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY
The quality and safety of imported food is clearly more difficult to control. The risk of contamination and harm to public health is ever-present and is likely to increase in the event of shortages or interruptions in the global chain.
Increased reliance on international industrial production is leading to a decrease in domestic agricultural production capacity and is affecting long-term food security. A heavy reliance on food imports can reduce a people’s resilience to disruptions, thereby limiting their ability to respond effectively to a potential global food crisis.
CONCLUSION ON THE REASONS
In sum, reliance on international food distribution networks presents significant challenges in terms of food security and environmental impact.
To mitigate this state of affairs, which experts say is deteriorating in a continuous and worrying manner, the AFC believes that it would be wise to invest in strengthening local food production and adopting sustainable practices. By developing a more balanced and resilient approach, people can improve their food security while reducing their environmental footprint.
Supporting communities, especially at the local level, is key to food security for the future.
The main objectives of the Smart Food Portal are to support the production and consumption of local and sustainable food, to facilitate connections between local producers, distributors and consumers, to improve the efficiency of national, regional and local supply chains and to effectively reduce food waste, including packaging.
A list of available products with information on their origin, production method and environmental impact, a real-time tracking system for orders and deliveries, educational resources on sustainable food practices and nutrition, analyses and reports on consumption trends, producer performance and environmental impacts are key functions of the Smart Food Portal, allowing citizens to directly order products delivered daily to their home.
CONCLUSION
The Ministry of Health currently spends almost half of the national budget. It can be assumed that the gradual elimination of a multitude of preservatives and chemicals, or even other processes affecting the quality of food products throughout the long international supply chain, can only improve the general health of the population and consequently reduce the astronomical costs of maintaining our health network that has been struggling for too long.
The promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, sustainable water management, reduction of energy consumption, local circular economy, a significant reduction in the transport of goods, massive reduction of waste and full recycling of packaging becomes a unifying whole within the Intelligent Food Portal.
This proposal of the AFC is therefore one of the most robust environmental policies ever published in order to preserve natural resources for future generations and minimize environmental, economic and social impacts, all the more effective for the protection and restoration of ecosystems, the rehabilitation of land and the conservation of biodiversity.
The system established by the Intelligent Food Portal will also have the advantage of generating the fire of genius, the love of autonomy, the pleasure of consuming fresh food and the sense of local honor of producing them in one’s own community, the basic unit of the decentralized governance of the Regionalist Autonomist Federation.