80% of all farms in the world are small holder farms but, 70% of all the food comes from a handful of large industrialised growers and producers. Small scale producers include farmers, pastoralists, fishing and forest communities and artisans who work at a small scale with small revenues. They are keepers of traditional techniques and products, using little or no chemicals or technology. Their livelihoods are dependent on this work but, they face significant access barriers to large markets and buyers.

Every year, thousands of students in India graduate with a degree or diploma in culinary arts, agricultural sciences, nutrition, hospitality management and other related fields. While these fields are distinct, they all have food education at their core and one of the main goals has been to enable students with the knowledge and skills to become employable in the industry. In light of climate change and the central role of food systems, future professionals in food and farming have a new and important role, as change leaders for sustainable food practices.

The global food packaging industry is massive and growing rapidly to the tune of US$ 500 billion over the next few years. It accounts for nearly 35% of the global packaging industry. It also accounts for 50% of the plastic derived from fossil fuels. While it is meant to keep fresh food safe, stable and clean, the environmental and health impact is enormous. Mostly designed as single use, non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, it generates waste, pollutes water, air and is also harmful to humans, animals and sea life. It is estimated that every year, 1 million tonnes of plastic ends up in oceans.