Food systems restoration

Abstract

The current global food system is unsustainable. The depletion of natural resources and increased environmental emissions, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing population contribute to food system unsustainability and food insecurity. Conventional intensive agriculture and industrial food production practices need to be examined, with a view to transitioning to more sustainable alternative agricultural production. Factors such as farm energy use and their effects on the biophysical environment and biodiversity, trade-offs between productivity and environment and agricultural policy contribute to agricultural production choices and sustainability. Alternative agricultural practices are discussed with a focus on farming systems which protect natural resources and biodiversity. These include alternative land and marine food production systems and the use of various cellular agriculture and culture-based methods for producing food. Selected emerging sustainable food systems are highlighted. Key actions for restoration of land and aquatic food production systems include rebuilding of soil and aquatic ecosystems, wider application of alternative sustainable agricultural and processing practices, and integration of innovative technology into traditional and emerging agricultural systems. These actions need to be supported by policy which encourages the co-creation of sustainable alternative agricultural systems by multiple stakeholders.