Push for food system transformation

‍Biodiversity is the cornerstone of our planet’s health and well-being. It provides us with a range of ecosystem services, such as water filtration, carbon storage, air purification, and pollination. However, human activities are causing a rapid decline in biodiversity, with one million species threatened with extinction. One major driver of this loss is the industrial food system, which relies on monoculture crops, synthetic inputs, and intensive livestock production. This system not only destroys biodiversity but also exacerbates climate change and undermines the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. To address this crisis, we need a food system transformation that prioritizes biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to healthy food. In this article, we will explore why biodiversity matters for food systems, how the current food system is harming biodiversity, and what solutions can help us create a more sustainable and just food system for all. If you care about biodiversity, join us in pushing for food system transformation.

Importance of biodiversity in food systems

Biodiversity is essential for the functioning and resilience of food systems. A diverse range of crops, livestock, and wild species provide us with a variety of nutrient-rich foods, genetic resources, and cultural values. For example, traditional food systems in many regions of the world rely on a diversity of crops and livestock suited to local conditions and cultural preferences. This diversity not only ensures food security but also enhances resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases. Moreover, biodiversity in and around agricultural landscapes provides vital ecological services, such as pollination, pest control, soil fertility, and water regulation. These services are critical for maintaining healthy soils, clean water, and functioning ecosystems, which support food production and other human activities.

However, the current industrial food system is characterized by a narrow range of crops and livestock, which are grown using synthetic inputs and intensive farming practices. This system favors high-yielding, uniform, and genetically homogenous varieties, which are often vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate extremes. For example, maize, wheat, and rice account for over 50% of global calorie consumption, while only a few breeds of livestock dominate meat and dairy production. This lack of diversity reduces the resilience of food systems and increases the risk of crop failures, pests, and diseases. Moreover, intensive farming practices, such as tillage, monoculture, and chemical inputs, degrade soil health, reduce biodiversity, and pollute water and air.

To ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of food systems, we need to prioritize the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in and around agricultural landscapes. This includes promoting agroecological practices, such as crop diversification, intercropping, agroforestry, and organic farming, which enhance biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services. It also involves supporting the rights and livelihoods of small-scale farmers, indigenous peoples, and local communities, who are often the custodians of traditional knowledge and biodiversity.

Current state of food systems and biodiversity loss

Despite the crucial role of biodiversity in food systems, the world’s biodiversity is rapidly declining, with one million species threatened with extinction. The main drivers of this loss are habitat destruction, climate change, overexploitation, pollution, and invasive species. The industrial food system is a significant contributor to these drivers, as it relies on intensive land use, high greenhouse gas emissions, overuse of water resources, and chemical pollution.

Food system transformation and its impact on biodiversity

To address the challenges of biodiversity loss and food insecurity, we need a food system transformation that prioritizes biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to healthy food. A transformed food system is one that is diverse, resilient, and sustainable, providing nutritious and culturally appropriate foods to all people while respecting the natural boundaries of the planet. Such a system requires a fundamental shift in the way we produce, distribute, and consume food, as well as in the policies and institutions that govern food systems.

Regenerative agriculture is a key component of food system transformation, as it promotes the restoration and enhancement of soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Regenerative practices, such as cover cropping, crop rotation, precision agriculture, and agroforestry, improve soil structure and fertility, reduce erosion and nutrient runoff, and enhance carbon sequestration. They also promote biodiversity by creating habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and mammals, and by integrating crops and livestock in mixed systems. Regenerative agriculture also supports the livelihoods and well-being of small-scale farmers and rural communities, who are often marginalized in the current food system.

Another important aspect of food system transformation is the promotion of equitable access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods for all people. This involves addressing the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. It also requires the promotion of diverse and resilient food systems that support local food cultures, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity. By ensuring that all people have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, we can promote health, well-being, and social justice.

Examples of successful food system transformation

Food system transformation is already happening in many parts of the world, driven by grassroots movements, innovative farmers, and visionary policymakers. Examples of successful transformation include:

• Agroecology movements in Latin America and Africa, which promote the use of diverse and regenerative farming practices, such as precision agriculture, agroforestry, cover cropping, and seed saving. These movements prioritize the rights and needs of small-scale farmers, women, and indigenous peoples, and seek to build resilient and equitable food systems.
• Community-supported agriculture (CSA) schemes in Europe and North America, which connect consumers with local farmers and promote sustainable and diverse food production. CSA schemes enable consumers to support small-scale farmers and reduce their carbon footprint, while also enjoying fresh and seasonal foods.
• Urban agriculture initiatives in Asia and Africa, which promote food production in cities and peri-urban areas, using innovative techniques such as vertical farming, aquaponics, and roof gardening. These initiatives create new job opportunities, reduce food miles, and enhance food security and biodiversity in urban areas.
• National policies and initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, which recognize the importance of sustainable and resilient food systems for achieving global environmental and social goals. These policies promote the integration of biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and social equity in food systems.

Challenges to food system transformation

Despite the many benefits of food system transformation, there are also significant challenges and barriers that must be addressed. These challenges include:

• Political and economic power imbalances that favor large-scale agribusinesses and undermine the rights and livelihoods of small-scale farmers and rural communities.
• Lack of access to markets, finance, and technical support for small-scale farmers and agroecological initiatives, which limits their ability to scale up and compete with industrial agriculture.
• Limited consumer awareness and demand for sustainable and diverse foods, which hinders the development of alternative food systems and reinforces the dominance of industrial agriculture.
• Insufficient investment and research in regenerative agriculture and biodiversity conservation, which limits our understanding of the potential benefits and trade-offs of these practices.

To overcome these challenges, we need a concerted effort by governments, civil society, and the private sector to promote food system transformation. This effort should involve:

• Strengthening policies and institutions that support regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and equitable access to healthy food.
• Technological innovations that present clear results and can measure sustainable practices are the way to facilitate change. Where the consumables levels are optimized, soil health is maintained by promoting agricultural efficiency, carbon sinks are protected and energy use is optimized.
• Agrotechnology helps to better understand agricultural practices by promoting the efficient use of inputs.
• Promoting public awareness and education on the benefits and importance of diverse and sustainable food systems.
• Investing in research and innovation that supports agroecology, biodiversity conservation, and food sovereignty.
• Empowering small-scale farmers, women, and indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making and governance processes that affect their livelihoods and well-being.

How businesses can push for food system transformation

Businesses also have a critical role to play in promoting food system transformation. Here are some actions they can take:

• Source ingredients from regenerative and diverse farming systems, and support small-scale farmers and agroecological initiatives through fair trade and direct sourcing.
• Technological innovations that present clear results and can measure sustainable practices are the way to facilitate change. Where the consumables levels are optimized, soil health is maintained by promoting agricultural efficiency, carbon sinks are protected and energy use is optimized.
• Invest in research and innovation that supports biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to healthy food.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote sustainable and diverse food systems.
• Collaborate with civil society, farmers, and policymakers to co-create solutions for food system transformation.

Government policies and initiatives for food system transformation

Finally, governments have a critical role to play in promoting food system transformation. Here are some policies and initiatives that can help:

• Support small-scale farmers and agroecological initiatives through subsidies, technical assistance, and access to markets and finance.
• Promote biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration through protected areas, ecological corridors, and sustainable land use planning.
• Regulate and restrict the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals in agriculture, and promote agroecological alternatives.
• Technological innovations that present clear results and can measure sustainable practices are the way to facilitate change. Where the consumables levels are optimized, soil health is maintained by promoting agricultural efficiency, carbon sinks are protected and energy use is optimized.
• Promote equitable access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods through social protection measures, food assistance programs, and public procurement.
• Strengthen international cooperation and governance frameworks that promote sustainable and resilient food systems.

Conclusion

Biodiversity is essential for the functioning and resilience of food systems, but it is rapidly declining due to human activities, including the industrial food system. To address this crisis, we need a food system transformation that prioritizes biodiversity conservation, regenerative agriculture, and equitable access to healthy food. This transformation requires a fundamental shift in the way we produce, distribute, and consume food, as well as in the policies and institutions that govern food systems. As individuals, businesses, and governments, we all have a role to play in promoting food system transformation. Let us join together in this effort to create a more sustainable and just food system for all.