Exploring the future of food and nutrition in the Arctic

The Arctic is a region highly affected by climate change, and as the climate changes, so does our food and nutrition production.

Armando Perez-Cueto is a Professor in Food, Nutrition and Meal Science at the Department of Food, Nutrition and Culinary Science at Umeå University, and a newly appointed Arctic Six Chair. Within his Arctic Six research project, he will analyse consumer survey data to explore sustainable diet transitions in the Arctic. His chairship seeks to address the pressing issues of food security, environmental sustainability, and public health in the Arctic. By focusing on plant-based diets and the role of traditional foods, Perez-Cueto’s work has the potential to find innovative strategies for sustainable and healthy diet transitions that respect both the environment and the cultural heritage of the Arctic’s indigenous peoples.

From Bolivia to the Arctic: broad experience of different food research areas around the globe

Armando Perez-Cueto is a researcher of diverse experiences and a rich academic background. Born in La Paz, Bolivia, he began his journey in food technology before moving on to nutrition studies in Belgium and a Master’s degree in rural development economics. His career has taken him across the globe, from 14 years in Belgium to 10 years in Denmark, and now to Umeå in Sweden, where he has settled with his family.

“I found a very nice working environment with people being very friendly, receptive and open to collaboration,” Perez-Cueto says about moving to Umeå.

Perez-Cueto’s path has been shaped by a series of opportunities and challenges, each bringing him closer to his current focus on public health nutrition and consumer behaviour. He explains that he found out what he wanted to focus on during his time in Denmark.

“One of the things I wanted to do was to work more in the promotion of plant-based eating.”

His international perspective and multidisciplinary approach make him a unique voice in the field of food and nutrition research.

As a society, we need to start seriously addressing how producing and consuming meat and dairy affects the environment.

The Arctic Six research project will examine sustainable diet transitions in the Arctic

The core of Perez-Cueto’s project is to understand and promote sustainable diet transitions in the Arctic.

“My idea is to study and explore what's going on in the food transition,” he explains.

By analysing existing consumer data from Sweden and Finland, Perez-Cueto will assess the attitudes and behaviours of people in the north towards plant-based foods, fermented plant-based foods, and foods containing algae. By collaborating with partners from The Arctic Six and his broader European network, Perez-Cueto aims to develop strategies that can be implemented at various levels, from local communities to policymakers. The project is not just about research papers but also about creating a network that can drive real change in the region.

Perez-Cueto imagines the research project in two steps where the first step is the examination and assessment of the data, and the second step is to collaborate with partners to explore, develop and apply for a large EU collaborative project.

Hopes for greater understanding and a shift in food system structures

Perez-Cueto hopes that his research will lead to a greater understanding of how sustainable diets can be adopted in the Arctic. He envisions a future where the evidence provided by his work will inform policies and practices that promote health, environmental sustainability, and cultural sensitivity.

“I want to provide evidence and then people can choose whether that evidence can be used or not,” he says.

He also hopes to see a shift in the way food systems are structured, moving away from intensive animal farming towards more plant-based production.

“As a society, we need to start seriously addressing how producing and consuming meat and dairy affects the environment. Meat and dairy consumption has to be reduced, and that it is a non-negotiable for the environment and the future of the human race on Earth," he emphasizes. He underscores that this reduction should be carefully agreed upon with all relevant societal actors in the Arctic.

Ultimately, Perez-Cueto aims to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Arctic society that can serve as a model for sustainable living. He is dedicated to his work, and his research has the potential to transform the way we think about food and nutrition in the Arctic, offering a path towards a more sustainable and healthy future for all.