2024 Soil & Nutrition Conference: The State of Nutrient Density – Mark Frederiks

For more than 15 years, the Bionutrient Association (BFA) has been working to organize a global movement around increasing quality in the food supply. After first creating a word, Nutrient Density, to refer to the variation in food quality and coming to understand how to work with nature to increase it, we started working with growers to implement practices.

BFA have traveled the world, met the most amazing of people, and helped to spawn a movement. The 11th Soil & Nutrition Conference is an opportunity for you to meet a selection of those we see at the forefront. From growers to agronomists to researchers, CEO’s, certifiers, nutritionists, advocates, and friends. This is a global conversation, and the presenters represent that.

The BFA is a membership organisation that seeks to support depth of understanding and community through their annual Soil & Nutrition Conference, courses and on-farm consultation. Learn more about its founder Dan Kittredge and how to become a member of this vibrant community here.

As awareness spreads about the importance of Nutrient Density, and the research continues to develop, BFA is focusing this entire conference on “The State of Nutrient Density”. The research, the best practices for producing it, the labs and tools for assessing it, labels and certifications that are coming forward and more! Their last conference had attendees from 47 US states and 43 countries from around the world.

Dan Kittredge kicked off the 11th Soil & Nutrition Conference on May 14th.

On May 28th, Mark Frederiks of Amped contributed to the conference as a speaker, on mass participation and limitless collaboration to heal the earth and the human spirit!

Amped & BFA share many goals in the food transition and in early 2023 they started working together more closely.

Watch below and make use of the provided index of the entire presentation to browse and choose the topics that are of interest to you.

Overview
The Presentation and Panel Discussion meeting on May 28th 2024, part of the 2024 Soil Nutrition conference, focused on the state of nutrient density within food systems. Mark Frederiks from the Netherlands presented several key concepts, including the development of six archetypes of short food supply chains and the application of game theory to transform food systems through multiplayer models that emphasize collaboration and trust-building among farmers. A case study from Amsterdam highlighted the city’s adaptive measures during the Corona crisis, leading to the establishment of a supportive food community. Discussions emphasized the integration of technology, such as blockchain, in fostering an educational ecosystem and improving network engagement. Panelists also addressed the importance of institutional support for local food systems, highlighting potential health benefits from nutrient-dense foods. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of scaling these initiatives globally, focusing on equitable business models and the necessity for future collaboration to drive systemic change. Action items included sharing presentation materials, pursuing research collaborations, and fostering connections among attendees to further advance food system transformation.

🌱 Introduction and Background (00:44 – 13:27)

Week 3 of 2024 Soil Nutrition conference, theme: the state of nutrient density. Mark Frederiks introduced as presenter from the Netherlands

• Mark Frederiks discussed the application of gamification in agriculture to enhance farmer-consumer connections.
• He emphasized the importance of creating a structured marketplace that allows farmers to engage directly with consumers through innovative marketing strategies.
• Frederiks highlighted the need for collaboration and knowledge sharing among farmers to address challenges in the agricultural sector effectively.

Mark’s background: publishing, marketing, communication, and 18 years challenging food system. He developed 6 archetypes of short food supply chains. His vision: future food system with farmer involvement, biodiversity, and affordable healthy food.

🔄 Game Theory and Food System Transformation (13:27 – 26:42)

• Two game models presented: pyramid (winner takes all) vs. inclusive model
• Game transition model developed based on multiplayer online game
• Four levels: individual, network, co-creation, and principle steering
• Business model aligned with game levels
• Importance of addressing ego clashes between levels

🌍 Amsterdam Case Study (26:43 – 38:26)

• Implementation of roadmap in Amsterdam metropole region
• Four phases: optimization of first mile hubs, logistics platform, city engagement, matchmaking
• Corona crisis impact and adaptation of local food supply chains
• Creation of vital food community and engagement with quantum agriculture experts

💡 Technology and Innovation (38:27 – 48:53)

• Development of customer journey for young talents
• Integration of blockchain technology for network engagement
• Creation of learning ecosystem for human ecosystems
• Implementation of game transition model in European development programs

👥 Collaboration and Network Building (48:54 – 59:45)

• Importance of diverse farmer participation (organic and conventional)
• Success story of two fruit farmers collaborating and transforming
• Focus on building trust and addressing different farmer needs
• Value of short food supply chains beyond product sales

🏥 Institutions and Health (59:48 – 01:08:33)

• Engagement with hospitals, schools, and universities
• Development of food education curriculum for medical students
• Implementation of local food systems in institutional settings
• Potential for proving health benefits of nutrient-dense foods

🔬 Nutrient Density and Research (01:08:34 – 01:18:19)

• Discussion on using omega-3/6 ratio as a selling point
• Potential for clinical evidence through short food supply chains
• Opportunity for global collaboration on nutrient density research
• Importance of connecting young talents with experienced experts

🌐 Scaling and Global Impact (01:18:20 – 01:27:43)

• Discussion on scaling local food systems globally
• Challenges and opportunities in different regions
• Importance of adapting models to local contexts
• Potential for using nutrient density as a global standard

💼 Business Models and Value Distribution (01:27:43 – 01:36:52)

• Exploration of equitable distribution of benefits along value chain
• Discussion on competing with supermarkets vs. creating new marketplaces
• Importance of transparency and collaboration between farmers
• Potential for blended financial models to support transition

🚀 Future Directions and Challenges (01:36:52 – 01:45:05)

• Identification of main challenges at different levels of implementation
• Discussion on gender balance in regenerative farming leadership
• Exploration of triggers for awareness and change in food systems
• Potential for using nutrient density metrics as a marketing tool

🤝 Collaboration and Next Steps (01:45:05 – 02:01:13)

• Proposal for global collaboration on nutrient density research
• Discussion on EU support for NGOs in food system transformation
• Importance of indigenous crops and traditional knowledge
• Call for co-creation and positive approach to system change

Are you active in nutrition and the transition of our food system? Then consider joining this worldwide conversation, thriving movement and community!