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Zhao H, Fan X, Bai Z, Ma L, Wang C, Havlík P, Cui Z, Balkovic J, Herrero M, Shi Z, Chang J. Holistic food system innovation strategies can close up to 80% of China's domestic protein gaps while reducing global environmental impacts. NATURE FOOD 2024; 5:581-591. [PMID: 38982281 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-01011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
China's imports of livestock feed, particularly protein-rich feeds, pose challenges to global environmental sustainability. Achieving protein self-sufficiency for food and feed in China without exceeding environmental boundaries requires integrated measures and optimization of China's food system. Here we propose holistic food system innovation strategies consisting of three components-technological innovation, integrated spatial planning and demand-side options-to reduce protein import dependency and promote global environmental sustainability. We find that food system innovations can close almost 80% of China's future protein gaps while reducing 57-85% of agricultural import-embodied environmental impacts. Deploying these innovations would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions (22-27%) and people's harmful exposure to ammonia (73-81%) compared with the baseline scenario in 2050. Technological innovations play a key role in closing protein gaps, while integrated crop-livestock spatial planning is imperative for achieving environmental and health targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Xiangwen Fan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhaohai Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetic and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chao Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Petr Havlík
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Zhenling Cui
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Juraj Balkovic
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Mario Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhou Shi
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Chang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria.
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2
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Amoussouhoui R, Arouna A, Ruzzante S, Banout J. Adoption of ICT4D and its determinants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30210. [PMID: 38694104 PMCID: PMC11061747 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Various Digital Agricultural Technologies (DAT) have been developed and implemented around the world. This study aims to estimate the overall adoption rate and identify the determinant factors for a better adoption perspective after decades of innovation and dissemination. A systematic review was conducted on published studies that reported adoption rates and determinant factors using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We used meta-regression and the partial correlation coefficient to estimate the effect size and establish the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and the adoption of various technologies reported. Fifty-two studies with 32400 participants met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The results revealed an overall pooled adoption rate of 39 %, with the highest adoption rates in developing countries in Africa and South America. Socioeconomic factors such as age, education, gender, and income were found to be the main determinants and should be considered when designing technology for sustainable adoption. The study also found that young farmers were more susceptible to adoption. Moreover, farmers with higher income levels and educational attainment are more likely to use technology linked to agricultural production, market access, and digital advising, implying that high-income farmers with more education are more tech-savvy. However, this does not exclude low-income and low-educated farmers from adopting the technologies, as many models and strategies with socioeconomic considerations were developed. It is one of the reasons behind the underlying enthusiasm for digital agricultural adoption in low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rico Amoussouhoui
- Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Science in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aminou Arouna
- Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), 01 BP 2551 Bouake 01, Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire
| | - Sacha Ruzzante
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC, V8P 3E6, Canada
| | - Jan Banout
- Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Science in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague, Czech Republic
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3
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Bocean CG. A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Digital Technologies on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption in the European Union. Foods 2024; 13:1281. [PMID: 38672953 PMCID: PMC11049518 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's landscape, digital technologies hold immense potential in tackling challenges associated with food sustainability. This study aims to contextualize a broader investigation of food sustainability and digitalization within the agricultural sector. Its objective is to explore the influence of digital technologies on sustainable food production and consumption, particularly examining relationships among digital technologies, municipal waste, agricultural output, nitrogen emissions, methane emissions from agriculture, and Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12). Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling, the empirical investigation scrutinizes the relationships between digital technology use and critical variables linked to food sustainability in a longitudinal analysis. The results highlight the significant impact of extensive digital technology use on municipal waste, sustainable production, and consumption, indirectly influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Empirical research findings reveal a negative influence of digital technologies on responsible consumption and production (path coefficient -0.349, p values < 0.001), suggesting an impact of digital technologies on diminishing sustainability in consumption and production. The relationship between digital technologies and municipal solid waste is also negative (path coefficient -0.360, p values < 0.001), suggesting that the use of digital technologies can contribute to reducing the amount of municipal solid waste. Digitalization has the potential to improve the sustainability of supply chains by reducing resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and distribution operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu George Bocean
- Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 13 AI Cuza Street, 200585 Craiova, Romania
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4
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Thornton P, Mason D'Croz D, Kugler C, Remans R, Zornetzer H, Herrero M. Enabling food system innovation: accelerators for change. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2024; 40:100738. [PMID: 38567265 PMCID: PMC10983825 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2023.100738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that current food systems are not on a trajectory for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by the end of the decade. Technological innovation will have a considerable role to play in different parts of the food system; many promising options exist or are in the pipeline, some of which may be highly disruptive to existing value chains. Scaling up the innovations required, at the same time as protecting those who may lose out in the short term, will require a strong enabling environment. Here we apply an existing framework of eight change accelerators to six case studies of historical agricultural innovation. We estimated the degree to which each accelerator had been addressed at some stage in the innovation process, as a measure of the gap between what was needed and what was achieved. For the innovations that are being taken to scale and widely utilized, these accelerator gaps are small. Uptake of other innovations is stalled, and for these we found large gaps for one or more of the eight accelerators. Impactful innovation processes address all eight change accelerators at some point, with different phasing of the accelerators depending on the nature of the technology and on the impact pathway being pursued. This simple framework, when used in combination with narratives of uptake based on theories of change and impact pathways, may provide an effective means of screening future innovation processes to help prioritize and guide investment that can lead to more resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Thornton
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Mason D'Croz
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cody Kugler
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Roseline Remans
- Bioversity International, Heverlee, Belgium
- Glocolearning, Genk, Belgium
| | | | - Mario Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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5
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Ribeiro de Melo P, Baker P, Machado PP, Howse E, Slater S, Lawrence M. An analysis of the transformative potential of Australia's national food policies and policy actions to promote healthy and sustainable food systems. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e75. [PMID: 38374798 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite commitment by many countries to promote food system transformation, Australia has yet to adopt a national food policy. This study aimed to evaluate Australian Federal Government's (AFG) food policies and policy actions potential to promote healthy and sustainable food systems. DESIGN This study is a desk-based policy mapping followed by a theoretically guided evaluation of policy actions. This involved three steps: (1) identification of government departments and agencies that could influence Australia's food system; (2) identification of food policies and policy actions within these departments and (3) use of a conceptual framework to evaluate policy actions' potential of changing the food system as adjust (first-order change), reform (second-order change) or transform (third-order change). SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS None. RESULTS Twenty-four food policies and sixty-two policy actions were identified across eight AFG departments and the Food Regulation System and evaluated based on the order of change they represented. Most policies were led by individual departments, reflecting the absence of a joined-up approach to food policy in Australia. Most policy actions (n 25/ 56·5 %) were evaluated as having adjust potential, whereas no transformative policy action was identified. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Australia is likely to proceed incrementally towards achieving food system change through adjustments and reforms but lacking transformative impact. To promote transformative change, all three orders of change must be strategically implemented in a coherent and coordinated matter. A comprehensive national food policy and a national coordinating body are needed to ensure a cohesive approach to policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phillip Baker
- The University of Sydney, School of Public Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Priscila Pereira Machado
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Scott Slater
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Mark Lawrence
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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6
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Jung M, Boucher TM, Wood SA, Folberth C, Wironen M, Thornton P, Bossio D, Obersteiner M. A global clustering of terrestrial food production systems. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296846. [PMID: 38354163 PMCID: PMC10866528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Food production is at the heart of global sustainability challenges, with unsustainable practices being a major driver of biodiversity loss, emissions and land degradation. The concept of foodscapes, defined as the characteristics of food production along biophysical and socio-economic gradients, could be a way addressing those challenges. By identifying homologues foodscapes classes possible interventions and leverage points for more sustainable agriculture could be identified. Here we provide a globally consistent approximation of the world's foodscape classes. We integrate global data on biophysical and socio-economic factors to identify a minimum set of emergent clusters and evaluate their characteristics, vulnerabilities and risks with regards to global change factors. Overall, we find food production globally to be highly concentrated in a few areas. Worryingly, we find particularly intensively cultivated or irrigated foodscape classes to be under considerable climatic and degradation risks. Our work can serve as baseline for global-scale zoning and gap analyses, while also revealing homologous areas for possible agricultural interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jung
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | | | - Stephen A. Wood
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
- Yale School of the Environment, New Haven, United States of America
| | - Christian Folberth
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
| | - Michael Wironen
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Philip Thornton
- Clim-Eat, c/o Netherlands Food Partnership, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah Bossio
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael Obersteiner
- International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Laxenburg, Austria
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Goluch Z, Rybarczyk A, Poławska E, Haraf G. Fatty Acid Profile and Lipid Quality Indexes of the Meat and Backfat from Porkers Supplemented with EM Bokashi Probiotic. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3298. [PMID: 37894022 PMCID: PMC10604290 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the effect of supplementation of pig diet with the Bokashi probiotic on the fatty acid profile of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles and backfat. The research involved 120 hybrid pigs deriving from Naïma sows and P-76 boars. The experimental group's pigs received probiotics in their feed (containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus plantarum). To analyze the fatty acid profile in intramuscular fat (IMF) of LL and backfat, 24 pig carcasses from the control group and 26 from the probiotic-supplemented group were randomly selected. Probiotic supplementation increased the Atherogenic Index, reduced the proportion of C20:4, and increased C12:0 and C18:2 n-6 in IMF LL, without affecting ΣSFA, ΣMUFA, and ΣPUFA. In backfat, probiotic supplementation decreased C18:1 and C18:2 n-6 proportion and increased C18:3 n-3, C20:3 n-6, and C20:4 n-6. These changes resulted in significantly higher ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA, PUFA Σn-3/Σn-6, and lower Saturation Index (SI). From a consumer health and technological point of view, probiotic supplementation improved the lipid profile of backfat to a greater extent than LL muscle. Bokashi, at a dose of 3 g/kg of feed in the last stage of pig production, had no significant effect on the fatty acid profile of the meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Goluch
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Wrocław University of Economics & Business, ul. Komandorska 118-120, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland; (Z.G.); (G.H.)
| | - Artur Rybarczyk
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Science, Chełmońskiego 38C, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Poławska
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postępu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Gabriela Haraf
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Wrocław University of Economics & Business, ul. Komandorska 118-120, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland; (Z.G.); (G.H.)
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Jablonski BBR, Milbourne P, Maderson S, Morgan K. Considering tradeoffs in "local" food policies: examples from school feeding programmes. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1242493. [PMID: 37771752 PMCID: PMC10523382 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1242493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
City, national, and multinational governments are increasingly leveraging nutrition programme spending, specifically pursuing policies that require or incentive "local" procurement, to meet a myriad of goals. However, these policies involve tradeoffs that are often not fully considered by government officials, planners, and advocates. This perspective article provides some examples of those tradeoffs from the peer-reviewed literature, which, we argue, are useful to consider in setting school feeding programme policies to achieve sustainability goals.
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9
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Galli A, Antonelli M, Wambersie L, Bach-Faig A, Bartolini F, Caro D, Iha K, Lin D, Mancini MS, Sonnino R, Vanham D, Wackernagel M. EU-27 ecological footprint was primarily driven by food consumption and exceeded regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:810-822. [PMID: 37709937 PMCID: PMC10513931 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The European Union (EU) plans to decarbonize the region by 2050. As highlighted by the Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, food systems are essential for this transition. Here we investigate the resource dependence and carbon emissions of the EU-27's food systems from 2004 to 2014 via an ecological footprint (EF)-extended multi-regional input-output approach, accounting for demand and supply (including trade), and considering multiple externalities. Food contributes towards almost a third of the region's EF, and appropriates over half of its biocapacity. Average reliance on biocapacity within national borders decreased, while reliance on intra-EU biocapacity increased; yet a quarter of the biocapacity for food consumption originates from non-EU countries. Despite a reduction in both total EF and food EF over the study period, EU-27 residents demand more from nature than the region's ecosystems can regenerate-highlighting the need for new or strengthened food and trade policies to enable a transformation to sustainable EU food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Antonelli
- Global Footprint Network, Geneva, Switzerland
- Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES), Fondazione Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici (CMCC), Viterbo, Italy
| | - Leopold Wambersie
- Global Footprint Network, Oakland, CA, USA
- École de technologie supérieure, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anna Bach-Faig
- Food Lab Research Group (2021 SGR 01357), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabio Bartolini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dario Caro
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, Seville, Spain
| | | | - David Lin
- Global Footprint Network, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Roberta Sonnino
- Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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10
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Vieira RA, McManus C. Bibliographic mapping of animal genetic resources and climate change in farm animals. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:259. [PMID: 37402849 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03671-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Bibliometric mapping is a tool that allows you to visualize the academic production, as well as the publication trends over the years. In this study, we carried out the bibliometric mapping of citation, co-occurrence of keywords, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling for "animal genetic resources" and "climate change." Scopus was used to obtain the publication information and VOSViewer software to produce the maps. A total of 1171 documents were found from authors in 129 countries from 1975 to 2022. The USA, UK, and China are the top three countries producing scientific research on the topics of animal genetic resources and climate change. China is the country with the most recent publications. The USA, the UK, and China stood out in almost all the analyses, but other Asian and Latin American countries appear more recently and are becoming more important in this scenario. Most of the work is related to studies involving animal adaptation, conservation, and genetic diversity; however, in recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research involving genetic engineering, such as the use of genetic sequencing and single nucleotide polimorphism (SNP). This study can help to understand new research trends in the area of animal genetic resources and climate change and can assist in the development of future actions within the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Augusto Vieira
- Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil.
| | - Concepta McManus
- Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil
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11
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Harnessing the connectivity of climate change, food systems and diets: Taking action to improve human and planetary health ☆. ANTHROPOCENE 2023; 42:100381. [PMCID: PMC10084708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ancene.2023.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
With climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing conflicts, food systems and the diets they produce are facing increasing fragility. In a turbulent, hot world, threatened resiliency and sustainability of food systems could make it all the more complicated to nourish a population of 9.7 billion by 2050. Climate change is having adverse impacts across food systems with more frequent and intense extreme events that will challenge food production, storage, and transport, potentially imperiling the global population’s ability to access and afford healthy diets. Inadequate diets will contribute further to detrimental human and planetary health impacts. At the same time, the way food is grown, processed, packaged, and transported is having adverse impacts on the environment and finite natural resources further accelerating climate change, tropical deforestation, and biodiversity loss. This state-of-the-science iterative review covers three areas. The paper's first section presents how climate change is connected to food systems and how dietary trends and foods consumed worldwide impact human health, climate change, and environmental degradation. The second area articulates how food systems affect global dietary trends and the macro forces shaping food systems and diets. The last section highlights how specific food policies and actions related to dietary transitions can contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation responses and, at the same time, improve human and planetary health. While there is significant urgency in acting, it is also critical to move beyond the political inertia and bridge the separatism of food systems and climate change agendas that currently exists among governments and private sector actors. The window is closing and closing fast.
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12
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Crona BI, Wassénius E, Jonell M, Koehn JZ, Short R, Tigchelaar M, Daw TM, Golden CD, Gephart JA, Allison EH, Bush SR, Cao L, Cheung WWL, DeClerck F, Fanzo J, Gelcich S, Kishore A, Halpern BS, Hicks CC, Leape JP, Little DC, Micheli F, Naylor RL, Phillips M, Selig ER, Springmann M, Sumaila UR, Troell M, Thilsted SH, Wabnitz CCC. Four ways blue foods can help achieve food system ambitions across nations. Nature 2023; 616:104-112. [PMID: 36813964 PMCID: PMC10076219 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05737-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Blue foods, sourced in aquatic environments, are important for the economies, livelihoods, nutritional security and cultures of people in many nations. They are often nutrient rich1, generate lower emissions and impacts on land and water than many terrestrial meats2, and contribute to the health3, wellbeing and livelihoods of many rural communities4. The Blue Food Assessment recently evaluated nutritional, environmental, economic and justice dimensions of blue foods globally. Here we integrate these findings and translate them into four policy objectives to help realize the contributions that blue foods can make to national food systems around the world: ensuring supplies of critical nutrients, providing healthy alternatives to terrestrial meat, reducing dietary environmental footprints and safeguarding blue food contributions to nutrition, just economies and livelihoods under a changing climate. To account for how context-specific environmental, socio-economic and cultural aspects affect this contribution, we assess the relevance of each policy objective for individual countries, and examine associated co-benefits and trade-offs at national and international scales. We find that in many African and South American nations, facilitating consumption of culturally relevant blue food, especially among nutritionally vulnerable population segments, could address vitamin B12 and omega-3 deficiencies. Meanwhile, in many global North nations, cardiovascular disease rates and large greenhouse gas footprints from ruminant meat intake could be lowered through moderate consumption of seafood with low environmental impact. The analytical framework we provide also identifies countries with high future risk, for whom climate adaptation of blue food systems will be particularly important. Overall the framework helps decision makers to assess the blue food policy objectives most relevant to their geographies, and to compare and contrast the benefits and trade-offs associated with pursuing these objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice I Crona
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Emmy Wassénius
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Jonell
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Zachary Koehn
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Short
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Tim M Daw
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christopher D Golden
- Dept. of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Dept. of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Dept. of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica A Gephart
- Dept. of Environmental Science, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Simon R Bush
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ling Cao
- School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - William W L Cheung
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Jessica Fanzo
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, USA
- Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefan Gelcich
- Instituto Milenio en Socio-Ecologia Costera, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Avinash Kishore
- International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), New Delhi, India
| | - Benjamin S Halpern
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - James P Leape
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David C Little
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Fiorenza Micheli
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Hopkins Marine Station, Oceans Department, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - Rosamond L Naylor
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center on Food Security and the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth R Selig
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marco Springmann
- Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - U Rashid Sumaila
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Max Troell
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Science, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Colette C C Wabnitz
- Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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13
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van Zanten HHE, Simon W, van Selm B, Wacker J, Maindl TI, Frehner A, Hijbeek R, van Ittersum MK, Herrero M. Circularity in Europe strengthens the sustainability of the global food system. NATURE FOOD 2023; 4:320-330. [PMID: 37117548 PMCID: PMC10154194 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Redesigning the European food system on the basis of circularity principles could bring environmental benefits for Europe and the world. Here we deploy a biophysical optimization model to explore the effects of adopting three circularity scenarios in the European Union (EU)27 + UK. We calculate a potential reduction of 71% in agricultural land use and 29% per capita in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, while producing enough healthy food within a self-sufficient European food system. Under global food shortages, savings in agricultural land could be used to feed an additional 767 million people outside the EU (+149%), while reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 38% but increasing overall emissions by 55% due to the increased population served. Transitioning the EU's food system towards circularity implies sequential changes among all its components and has great potential to safeguard human and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H E van Zanten
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - W Simon
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - B van Selm
- Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - J Wacker
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - T I Maindl
- SDB Science-driven Business Ltd, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - A Frehner
- Department of Food System Sciences, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Frick, Switzerland
| | - R Hijbeek
- Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M K van Ittersum
- Plant Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Herrero
- Department of Global Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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14
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Wattiaux MA. Sustainability of dairy systems through the lenses of the sustainable development goals. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1135381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we propose to view the sustainability of dairy farming as nested within the sustainability of agriculture, a subset of the sustainability of food systems, which in turn could be construed as a subset of the national commitments of a country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Disciplinary, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research are essential to study bio-physical system components and their interactions. However, when dairy farming is viewed as nested within broader societal systems, the inclusion of human elements calls for transdisciplinary research. Few of the 17 SDGs are left untouched by the livestock sector. Research should aim at identifying relevant farm-level metrics that are in alignment with any of the 231 indicators supporting the SDGs. We used two examples to illustrate the approach. In the first, SDG 13 (Climate Action) is used as a reminder that despite the current emphasis on reducing milk carbon footprint (kg CO2-e/kg milk), the contribution of the sector to Climate Action depends on reducing its annual emission (kg CO2-e/year; indicator 13.2.2). In the second example, indicator 2.4.1 (land use for sustainable agriculture) of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) is used to illustrate the potential tradeoffs between Milk N/Intake N as a metric of nitrogen use efficiency at the cow level and metrics such as the input:output ratio of human-edible protein (Milk N/Intake of human-edible N) that prioritize the use of human-inedible feed in dairy rations as a way to enhance efficiency and circularity at the food system level.
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15
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Thornton P, Chang Y, Loboguerrero AM, Campbell B. Perspective: What might it cost to reconfigure food systems? GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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Ioannou I, Galán-Martín Á, Pérez-Ramírez J, Guillén-Gosálbez G. Trade-offs between Sustainable Development Goals in carbon capture and utilisation. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2023; 16:113-124. [PMID: 36744118 PMCID: PMC9847469 DOI: 10.1039/d2ee01153k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) provides an appealing framework to turn carbon emissions into valuable fuels and chemicals. However, given the vast energy required to activate the CO2 molecule, CCU may have implications on sustainable development that are still poorly understood due to the narrow scope of current carbon footprint-oriented assessments lacking absolute sustainability thresholds. To bridge this gap, we developed a power-chemicals nexus model to look into the future and understand how we could produce 22 net-zero bulk chemicals of crucial importance in a sustainable manner by integrating fossil, CCU routes and power technologies, often assessed separately. We evaluated the environmental performance of these technologies in terms of their contribution to 5 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using 16 life cycle assessment metrics and 9 planetary boundaries (PB) to quantify and interpret the impact values. We found that fossil chemicals could hamper the attainment of SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 13 on climate change. CCU could help meet SDG 13 but would damage other SDGs due to burden-shifting to human health, water scarcity, and minerals and metals depletion impacts. The collateral damage could be mitigated by judiciously combining fossil and CCU routes with carbon-negative power sources guided by optimisation models incorporating SDGs-based performance criteria explicitly. Our work highlights the importance of embracing the SDGs in technology development to sensibly support the low-carbon energy and chemicals transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasonas Ioannou
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Ángel Galán-Martín
- Department of Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, Universidad de Jaén Campus Las Lagunillas s/n 23071 Jaén Spain
- Center for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment. Universidad de Jaén Campus Las Lagunillas s/n 23071 Jaén Spain
| | - Javier Pérez-Ramírez
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1 8093 Zürich Switzerland
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17
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Bibliographic mapping of Heat tolerance in Farm Animals. Livest Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2023.105163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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18
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Bunge AC, Wood A, Halloran A, Gordon LJ. A systematic scoping review of the sustainability of vertical farming, plant-based alternatives, food delivery services and blockchain in food systems. NATURE FOOD 2022; 3:933-941. [PMID: 37118205 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Food system technologies (FSTs) are being developed to accelerate the transformation towards sustainable food systems. Here we conducted a systematic scoping review that accounts for multiple dimensions of sustainability to describe the extent, range and nature of peer-reviewed literature that assesses the sustainability performance of four FSTs: plant-based alternatives, vertical farming, food deliveries and blockchain technology. Included literature had a dominant focus on environmental sustainability and less on public health and socio-economic sustainability. Gaps in the literature include empirical assessments on the sustainability of blockchain technology, plant-based seafood alternatives, public health consequences of food deliveries and socio-economic consequences of vertical farming. The development of a holistic sustainability assessment framework that demonstrates the impact of deploying FSTs is needed to guide investments in and the development of sustainable food innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Charlotte Bunge
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Amanda Wood
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Afton Halloran
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- GLOBE Institute, Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- World Health Organization, European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Line J Gordon
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Ambikapathi R, Schneider KR, Davis B, Herrero M, Winters P, Fanzo JC. Global food systems transitions have enabled affordable diets but had less favourable outcomes for nutrition, environmental health, inclusion and equity. NATURE FOOD 2022; 3:764-779. [PMID: 37118149 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOver the past 50 years, food systems worldwide have shifted from predominantly rural to industrialized and consolidated systems, with impacts on diets, nutrition and health, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. We explore the potential for sustainable and equitable food system transformation (ideal state of change) by comparing countries at different stages of food system transition (changes) using food system typologies. Historically, incomes have risen faster than food prices as countries have industrialized, enabling a simultaneous increase in the supply and affordability of many nutritious foods. These shifts are illustrated across five food system typologies, from rural and traditional to industrial and consolidated. Evolving rural economies, urbanization and changes in food value chains have accompanied these transitions, leading to changes in land distribution, a smaller share of agri-food system workers in the economy and changes in diets. We show that the affordability of a recommended diet has improved over time, but food systems of all types are falling short of delivering optimal nutrition and health outcomes, environmental sustainability, and inclusion and equity for all. Six ‘outlier’ case studies (Tajikistan, Egypt, Albania, Ecuador, Bolivia and the United States of America) illustrate broad trends, trade-offs and deviations. With the integrated view afforded by typologies, we consider how sustainable transitions can be achieved going forward.
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20
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Sandström V, Chrysafi A, Lamminen M, Troell M, Jalava M, Piipponen J, Siebert S, van Hal O, Virkki V, Kummu M. Food system by-products upcycled in livestock and aquaculture feeds can increase global food supply. NATURE FOOD 2022; 3:729-740. [PMID: 37118146 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-022-00589-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Many livestock and aquaculture feeds compete for resources with food production. Increasing the use of food system by-products and residues as feed could reduce this competition. We gathered data on global food system material flows for crop, livestock and aquaculture production, focusing on feed use and the availability of by-products and residues. We then analysed the potential of replacing food-competing feedstuff-here cereals, whole fish, vegetable oils and pulses that account for 15% of total feed use-with food system by-products and residues. Considering the nutritional requirements of food-producing animals, including farmed aquatic species, this replacement could increase the current global food supply by up to 13% (10-16%) in terms of kcal and 15% (12-19%) in terms of protein content. Increasing the use of food system by-products as feed has considerable potential, particularly when combined with other measures, in the much-needed transition towards circular food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Sandström
- Water & Development Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
| | - Anna Chrysafi
- Water & Development Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Marjukka Lamminen
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Max Troell
- Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mika Jalava
- Water & Development Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Stefan Siebert
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ollie van Hal
- Louis Bolk Institute, Bunnik, the Netherlands
- Animal Production Systems group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vili Virkki
- Water & Development Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Matti Kummu
- Water & Development Research Group, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
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21
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Urom C, Guesmi K, Abid I, Enwo-Irem IN. Co-inventions, uncertainties and global food security. ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY STUDIES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9288818 DOI: 10.1007/s10018-022-00347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the effects of international collaborative efforts on climate-friendly agricultural technologies on global food security. In particular, we use patent data on environmental technological innovations for OECD countries and global food prices from the period 1990 to 2016. Also, we investigate the impact of uncertainties in weather conditions in terms of rising global temperature created by climate change using data on global surface temperature from the Energy Information Administration and the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Surface Temperature Analysis of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). We used both impulse response functions and variance error decomposition from a panel Vector Auto-Regressive (VAR) model to examine both the response of global food prices to shocks on the concerned variables and the decomposition of error variance in global food prices. First, our results show that international collaborative efforts on climate-friendly agricultural technologies reduce global food prices while increasing global surface temperature increases food prices. Regarding the variance decomposition of global food prices, results show that surface temperature followed by international collaborations in climate-friendly innovations and other environment-related technologies are the main drivers of forecast error variance in global food prices. The food price variance share associated with greenhouse gas emissions is less when compared to that of technological innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Urom
- Paris School of Business, 54 Rue Nationale, Paris, France
| | - Khaled Guesmi
- Paris School of Business, 54 Rue Nationale, Paris, France
| | - Ilyes Abid
- ISC Paris Business School, Paris, France
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22
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Sustainability Strategies and Contractual Arrangements in the Italian Pasta Supply Chain: An Analysis under the Neo Institutional Economics Lens. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Contracts represent key governance mechanisms along the supply chain to pursue collective sustainable strategies in line with new citizen-consumers’ preferences for sustainable products. Adopting an embedded multiple case study approach, this paper explores and analyzes 11 cases of contractual relationships between Italian semolina and pasta producers and farmers in order to investigate whether sustainability strategies affect the design of contracts and the related consequences. Findings reveal that different sustainability strategies correspond to different design and combinations of (both monetary and nonmonetary) contractual incentives aimed to centralize property and decision rights. What emerges is that stronger sustainability strategies entail a higher degree of buyers’ control over strategic investments (such as land and seeds) as well as wider provision of technical assistance and knowledge and innovation transfer toward farmers. Therefore, mutual gains seem at stake, even if socio-economic implications of the shift in decisional and control rights from farmers toward buyers shall be neglected, to ensure a better coherence with the farm to fork strategy and sustainable development goals.
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23
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Kombucha: Perceptions and Future Prospects. Foods 2022; 11:foods11131977. [PMID: 35804792 PMCID: PMC9265386 DOI: 10.3390/foods11131977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Kombucha is an increasingly consumed product classified as a nutraceutical. Legislative efforts about these products remain confusing and without global harmonization. This natural product has been developed to improve or promote physical and mental health. However, it needs regulatory guidelines to control the production and guarantee the product’s efficacy and safety. Aim: The study intends to draw attention to the need for regulatory guidelines and the potential of this product in the market and peoples’ health. Key findings and conclusions: The lack of regulation and the low level of literacy about this product can limit its development, marketing, and impact on health. Thus, it is essential to highlight the potential value of this product and invest in its development and marketing. Likewise, it is important to spread awareness among the population of these products and their impacts on people’s health. Thus, this study focuses on a pertinent theme and alerts to the need for legislation for these products, to draw attention to the inexistent legislative control and the consequent need for regulatory guidelines for better and safer production and consumption.
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24
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Cappelli SL, Domeignoz-Horta LA, Loaiza V, Laine AL. Plant biodiversity promotes sustainable agriculture directly and via belowground effects. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:674-687. [PMID: 35279365 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While the positive relationship between plant biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) is well established, the extent to which this is mediated via belowground microbial processes is poorly understood. Growing evidence suggests that plant community structure influences soil microbial diversity, which in turn promotes functions desired for sustainable agriculture. Here, we outline the 'plant-directed' and soil microbe-mediated mechanisms expected to promote positive BEF. We identify how this knowledge can be utilized in plant diversification schemes to maximize ecosystem functioning in agroecosystems, which are typically species poor and sensitive to biotic and abiotic stressors. In the face of resource overexploitation and global change, bridging the gaps between biodiversity science and agricultural practices is crucial to meet food security in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seraina L Cappelli
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Luiz A Domeignoz-Horta
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Viviana Loaiza
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Liisa Laine
- Research Centre for Ecological Change, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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25
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Sbardelotto PRR, Balbinot-Alfaro E, da Rocha M, Alfaro AT. Natural alternatives for processed meat: Legislation, markets, consumers, opportunities and challenges. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:10303-10318. [PMID: 35647788 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2081664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Consumers' interest in food with less and/or free from synthetic additives has increased considerably in recent years. In this context, researchers and industries have concentrated efforts on developing alternatives to these compounds. Replacing synthetic additives in meat products is a challenge, given their importance for sensory characteristics and food safety. Complementary technologies combined with the replacement and/or reduction of synthetic additives (hurdle technologies) has been studied focusing on the protection and extension of the shelf life of meat products. This review reports alternatives for replacing and/or reducing the use of synthetic additives in meat derivatives, aiming at the development of more natural and simpler meat products, familiar to consumers and considered clean labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R R Sbardelotto
- Meat Technology Laboratory, Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Evellin Balbinot-Alfaro
- School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Meritaine da Rocha
- School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Alfaro
- Meat Technology Laboratory, Department of Food Technology, Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brazil
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26
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Green A, Blattmann C, Chen C, Mathys A. The role of alternative proteins and future foods in sustainable and contextually-adapted flexitarian diets. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Krause G, Le Vay L, Buck BH, Costa-Pierce BA, Dewhurst T, Heasman KG, Nevejan N, Nielsen P, Nielsen KN, Park K, Schupp MF, Thomas JB, Troell M, Webb J, Wrange AL, Ziegler F, Strand Å. Prospects of Low Trophic Marine Aquaculture Contributing to Food Security in a Net Zero-Carbon World. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.875509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To limit compromising the integrity of the planet, a shift is needed towards food production with low environmental impacts and low carbon footprint. How to put such transformative change towards sustainable food production whilst ensuring food security into practice remains a challenge and will require transdisciplinary approaches. Combining expertise from natural- and social sciences as well as industry perspectives, an alternative vision for the future in the marine realm is proposed. This vision includes moving towards aquaculture mainly of low trophic marine (LTM) species. Such shift may enable a blue transformation that can support a sustainable blue economy. It includes a whole new perspective and proactive development of policy-making which considers, among others, the context-specific nature of allocation of marine space and societal acceptance of new developments, over and above the decarbonization of food production, vis á vis reducing regulatory barriers for the industry for LTM whilst acknowledging the complexities of upscaling and outscaling. This needs to be supported by transdisciplinary research co-produced with consumers and wider public, as a blue transformation towards accelerating LTM aquaculture opportunities in a net zero-carbon world can only occur by considering the demands of society.
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28
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Ferraboschi C, Monroy-Gomez J, Gavin-Smith B, Beesabathuni K, Tshering P, Lingala S, Bainsla N, Amanquah D, Kumari P, van Zutphen KG, Kraemer K. Principles for Evidence-Based and Sustainable Food System Innovations for Healthier Diets. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102003. [PMID: 35631141 PMCID: PMC9145425 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change, rapid urbanization, war, and economic recession are key drivers of the current food systems’ disruption, which has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Local, regional, and global food systems are unable to provide consumers with nutritious and affordable diets. Suboptimal diets exacerbate the triple burden of malnutrition, with micronutrient deficiencies affecting more than two billion people, two billion people suffering from overweight, and more than 140 million children who are stunted. The unaffordability of nutritious diets represents an obstacle for many, especially in low- and middle-income countries where healthy diets are five times more expensive than starchy staple diets. Food system transformations are urgently required to provide consumers with more affordable and nutritious diets that are capable of meeting social and environmental challenges. In this review, we underline the critical role of innovation within the food system transformation discourse. We aim to define principles for implementing evidence-based and long-term food system innovations that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable and, above all, aimed at improving diets and public health. We begin by defining and describing the role of innovation in the transformation of food systems and uncover the major barriers to implementing these innovations. Lastly, we explore case studies that demonstrate successful innovations for healthier diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ferraboschi
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Jimena Monroy-Gomez
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Breda Gavin-Smith
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Kalpana Beesabathuni
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Puja Tshering
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Srujith Lingala
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Neha Bainsla
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Daniel Amanquah
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Priyanka Kumari
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
| | - Kesso Gabrielle van Zutphen
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
- Department of Human Nutrition & Health, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Kraemer
- Sight and Life, P.O. Box 2116, 4002 Basel, Switzerland; (C.F.); (J.M.-G.); (B.G.-S.); (K.B.); (P.T.); (S.L.); (N.B.); (D.A.); (P.K.); (K.G.v.Z.)
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ditzler L, Driessen C. Automating Agroecology: How to Design a Farming Robot Without a Monocultural Mindset? JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS 2022; 35:2. [PMID: 35125902 PMCID: PMC8804368 DOI: 10.1007/s10806-021-09876-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Robots are widely expected-and pushed-to transform open-field agriculture, but these visions remain wedded to optimizing monocultural farming systems. Meanwhile there is little pull for automation from ecology-based, diversified farming realms. Noting this gap, we here explore the potential for robots to foster an agroecological approach to crop production. The research was situated in The Netherlands within the case of pixel cropping, a nascent farming method in which multiple food and service crops are planted together in diverse assemblages employing agroecological practices such as intercropping and biological pest control. Around this case we engaged with a variety of specialists in discussion groups, workshops, and design challenges to explore the potential of field robots to meet the multifaceted demands of highly diverse agroecological cropping systems. This generated a spectrum of imaginations for how automated tools might-or might not-be appropriately used, ranging from fully automated visions, to collaborative scenarios, to fully analogue prototypes. We found that automating agroecological cropping systems requires finding ways to imbue the ethos of agroecology into designed tools, thereby seeking to overcome tensions between production aims and other forms of social and ecological care. We conclude that a rethinking of automation is necessary for agroecological contexts: not as a blueprint for replacing humans, but making room for analogue and hybrid forms of agricultural work. These findings highlight a need for design processes which include a diversity of actors, involve iterative design cycles, and incorporate feedback between designers, practitioners, tools, and cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenora Ditzler
- Farming Systems Ecology Group, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 430, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Driessen
- Cultural Geography Group, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Uhlenbrook S, Yu W, Schmitter P, Smith DM. Optimising the water we eat-rethinking policy to enhance productive and sustainable use of water in agri-food systems across scales. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e59-e65. [PMID: 34998461 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable and resilient food systems depend on sustainable and resilient water management. Resilience is characterised by overlapping decision spaces and scales and interdependencies among water users and competing sectors. Increasing water scarcity, due to climate change and other environmental and societal changes, makes putting caps on the consumption of water resources indispensable. Implementation requires an understanding of different domains, actors, and their objectives, and drivers and barriers to transformational change. We suggest a scale-specific approach, in which agricultural water use is embedded in a larger systems approach (including natural and human systems). This approach is the basis for policy coherence and the design of effective incentive schemes to change agricultural water use behaviour and, therefore, optimise the water we eat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Uhlenbrook
- CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land, and Ecosystems, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Enacting theories of change for food systems transformation under climate change. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Why are agri-food systems resistant to new directions of change? A systematic review. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Harrison MT, Cullen BR, Mayberry DE, Cowie AL, Bilotto F, Badgery WB, Liu K, Davison T, Christie KM, Muleke A, Eckard RJ. Carbon myopia: The urgent need for integrated social, economic and environmental action in the livestock sector. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:5726-5761. [PMID: 34314548 PMCID: PMC9290661 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Livestock have long been integral to food production systems, often not by choice but by need. While our knowledge of livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation has evolved, the prevailing focus has been-somewhat myopically-on technology applications associated with mitigation. Here, we (1) examine the global distribution of livestock GHG emissions, (2) explore social, economic and environmental co-benefits and trade-offs associated with mitigation interventions and (3) critique approaches for quantifying GHG emissions. This review uncovered many insights. First, while GHG emissions from ruminant livestock are greatest in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC; globally, 66% of emissions are produced by Latin America and the Caribbean, East and southeast Asia and south Asia), the majority of mitigation strategies are designed for developed countries. This serious concern is heightened by the fact that 80% of growth in global meat production over the next decade will occur in LMIC. Second, few studies concurrently assess social, economic and environmental aspects of mitigation. Of the 54 interventions reviewed, only 16 had triple-bottom line benefit with medium-high mitigation potential. Third, while efforts designed to stimulate the adoption of strategies allowing both emissions reduction (ER) and carbon sequestration (CS) would achieve the greatest net emissions mitigation, CS measures have greater potential mitigation and co-benefits. The scientific community must shift attention away from the prevailing myopic lens on carbon, towards more holistic, systems-based, multi-metric approaches that carefully consider the raison d'être for livestock systems. Consequential life cycle assessments and systems-aligned 'socio-economic planetary boundaries' offer useful starting points that may uncover leverage points and cross-scale emergent properties. The derivation of harmonized, globally reconciled sustainability metrics requires iterative dialogue between stakeholders at all levels. Greater emphasis on the simultaneous characterization of multiple sustainability dimensions would help avoid situations where progress made in one area causes maladaptive outcomes in other areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brendan Richard Cullen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | | | - Annette Louise Cowie
- NSW Department of Primary Industries/University of New EnglandArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Franco Bilotto
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | | | - Ke Liu
- Hubei Collaborative Innovation Centre for Grain Industry/School of AgricultureYangtze UniversityJingzhouChina
| | - Thomas Davison
- Livestock Productivity PartnershipUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleAustralia
| | | | - Albert Muleke
- Tasmanian Institute of AgricultureUniversity of TasmaniaBurnieTASAustralia
| | - Richard John Eckard
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
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Mengesha ST. Analysis of Food System Topics from the Consumers' Perspective in a Developing Country Context: Key Insights from ANRS Metropolitan Cities, Ethiopia. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3883-3891. [PMID: 34552361 PMCID: PMC8450187 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s318858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The food system is an interdisciplinary global issue with substantial social and economic challenges. These challenges are most pronounced in developing countries, where chronic under-nutrition is prevalent. The long-standing notion has been to solve malnutrition and undernutrition primarily from the supply side through improving productivity and production. Nevertheless, addressing the nutrition paradox requires understanding consumers’ food choices and its drivers. Methods This study forms a part of a research project conducted in the ANRS, Ethiopia, in both urban and rural settings. To select study participants and collect data from the ANRS metropolitan cities, we used a household-based cross-sectional study and a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the study used a descriptive research method and a quantitative research approach in its analysis. PCA was used to identify which topics in the food system are most important to consumers. Results To identify widely held consumer interests, respondents were asked to report their interest in several relevant topics. The results show that food systems’ external impact, food safety, food nutrition, impact of other bodies on the food system, and food supply sustainability are the most crucial food topics where consumers are interested. Conclusion Concerned stakeholders who can help enhance household dietary practices in the study area; producers and other stakeholders who care about environmental sustainability and/or social values might use this information to adjust their production and marketing decisions to align with the food system topics that consumers identified as their priority. Limitations While the PCA allows for the reduction of multiple indices into a single composite index, it may restrict the targeting of a particular aspect of the food system topic. As a result, the indices’ meaning, and implications should be made while keeping the downsides in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoum Teffera Mengesha
- Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Covic N, Dobermann A, Fanzo J, Henson S, Herrero M, Pingali P, Staal S. All hat and no cattle: Accountability following the UN food systems summit. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Abstract
This paper gives an overview of main food supply chain stakeholders and their role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As this supply chain is global, playing a significant role in feeding the world, a deeper analysis of 17 SDGs, their targets and indicators reveals numerous direct and indirect connections with various SDGs. To perform such an overview, the authors investigated the link between the main stakeholders of the chain (farmers, food processors, food traders and consumers) with UN SDGs. In parallel, the authors explored the roles of policymakers, inspection services, certification bodies and academia in supporting these SDGs. In spite of numerous papers, calculations and estimations, discussion and media coverage, the authors believe that only the tip of the iceberg has been revealed. Based on this overview, the authors emphasize SDG 2—Zero Hunger and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production as the most dominant for the food supply chain. In parallel, the achievement of SDG 17—Partnerships for the Goals will enable deeper intertwining of the goals and all stakeholders in the food supply chain continuum. Additional efforts are needed to pave the way for fulfilling the targets of the UN SDGs and exceeding expectations of all stakeholders.
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Yoon BK, Tae H, Jackman JA, Guha S, Kagan CR, Margenot AJ, Rowland DL, Weiss PS, Cho NJ. Entrepreneurial Talent Building for 21st Century Agricultural Innovation. ACS NANO 2021; 15:10748-10758. [PMID: 34269059 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c05980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural innovation is a key component of the global economy and enhances food security, health, and nutrition. Current innovation efforts focus mainly on supporting the transition to sustainable food systems, which is expected to harness technological advances across a range of fields. In this Nano Focus, we discuss how such efforts would benefit from not only supporting farmer participation in deciding transition pathways but also in fostering the interdisciplinary training and development of entrepreneurial-minded farmers, whom we term "AgTech Pioneers", to participate in cross-sector agricultural innovation ecosystems as cocreators and informed users of developing and future technologies. Toward this goal, we discuss possible strategies based on talent development, cross-disciplinary educational and training programs, and innovation clusters to build an AgTech Pioneer ecosystem, which can help to reinvigorate interest in farming careers and to identify and address challenges and opportunities in agriculture by accelerating and applying advances in nanoscience, nanotechnology, and related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kyeong Yoon
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
- School of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Institute for Convergence Science (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunhyuk Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
| | - Joshua A Jackman
- School of Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Institute for Convergence Science (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Supratik Guha
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Cherie R Kagan
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Andrew J Margenot
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Diane L Rowland
- Center for Stress Resilient Agriculture, Agronomy Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
| | - Paul S Weiss
- California NanoSystems Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Bioengineering, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nam-Joon Cho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 637553 Singapore
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Barrett CB. On design-based empirical research and its interpretation and ethics in sustainability science. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2023343118. [PMID: 34253609 PMCID: PMC8307848 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023343118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating credible answers to key policy questions is crucial but difficult in most coupled human and natural systems because complex feedback mechanisms can confound identification of the causal mechanisms behind observed phenomena. By using explicit research designs intended to isolate the causal effects of specific interventions on community monitoring of common property resources, and on the well-being of those resources and their human neighbors, the papers in this Special Feature offer an important advance in empirical sustainability science research. Like earlier advances in my own field of development economics, however, they suffer some avoidable interpretive and ethical errors. This essay celebrates the powerful potential of design-based sustainability science studies, much of it admirably reflected in this set of papers, while simultaneously flagging opportunities to improve future work in this tradition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Barrett
- Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Eastwood CR, Edwards JP, Turner JA. Review: Anticipating alternative trajectories for responsible Agriculture 4.0 innovation in livestock systems. Animal 2021; 15 Suppl 1:100296. [PMID: 34246598 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological change has been a constant feature of livestock systems leading to the third agricultural 'green' revolution of the mid-20th century. Digital technologies are now leading us into the fourth agricultural revolution, where sustainable food production is supported by technologies that collect data useful for farm and supply chain performance improvement, along with task automation and compliance. However, the potential benefits of digital agricultural futures are uncertain and plagued by unrealized expectations of previous innovations. The aims of this paper are to articulate current trends in technology and livestock systems and anticipate future trajectories for Agriculture 4.0 in relation to meeting sustainability and animal welfare outcomes for livestock systems. We use a 'Futures Triangle' approach to review the role of technology in livestock systems. The main findings are that previous work envisioning technological livestock futures have favoured pull of the future factors (techno-optimists) or weight of the past (techno-pessimists), rather than a balance of pull, push and weighting factors. Responsible Agriculture 4.0 innovation requires public-private collaboration of innovation system stakeholders, including policy makers, farmers, consumers, as well as technology developers, to enable development of transition pathways from a systems perspective. The use of responsible innovation processes, including anticipation on alternative futures, should also be built into innovation processes to support critical reflection on technological trajectories and related innovation system consequences, both desirable and undesirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Eastwood
- Feed and Farm Systems Group, DairyNZ Ltd, PO Box 85066, Lincoln University, 7647 Lincoln, New Zealand.
| | - J P Edwards
- Feed and Farm Systems Group, DairyNZ Ltd, PO Box 85066, Lincoln University, 7647 Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - J A Turner
- AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, 10 Bisley Road, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
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Govaerts B, Negra C, Camacho Villa TC, Chavez Suarez X, Espinosa AD, Fonteyne S, Gardeazabal A, Gonzalez G, Gopal Singh R, Kommerell V, Kropff W, Lopez Saavedra V, Mena Lopez G, Odjo S, Palacios Rojas N, Ramirez-Villegas J, Van Loon J, Vega D, Verhulst N, Woltering L, Jahn M, Kropff M. One CGIAR and the Integrated Agri-food Systems Initiative: From short-termism to transformation of the world's food systems. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252832. [PMID: 34086831 PMCID: PMC8177634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Agri-food systems are besieged by malnutrition, yield gaps, and climate vulnerability, but integrated, research-based responses in public policy, agricultural, value chains, and finance are constrained by short-termism and zero sum thinking. As they respond to current and emerging agri-food system challenges, decision makers need new tools that steer toward multi-sector, evidence-based collaboration. To support national agri-food system policy processes, the Integrated Agri-food System Initiative (IASI) methodology was developed and validated through case studies in Mexico and Colombia. This holistic, multi-sector methodology builds on diverse existing data resources and leverages situation analysis, modeled predictions, and scenarios to synchronize public and private action at the national level toward sustainable, equitable, and inclusive agri-food systems. Culminating in collectively agreed strategies and multi-partner tactical plans, the IASI methodology enabled a multi-level systems approach by mobilizing design thinking to foster mindset shifts and stakeholder consensus on sustainable and scalable innovations that respond to real-time dynamics in complex agri-food systems. To build capacity for these types of integrated, context-specific approaches, greater investment is needed in supportive international institutions that function as trusted in-region 'innovation brokers.' This paper calls for a structured global network to advance adaptation and evolution of essential tools like the IASI methodology in support of the One CGIAR mandate and in service of positive agri-food systems transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Govaerts
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Fonteyne
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Andrea Gardeazabal
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Gonzalez
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Ravi Gopal Singh
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Victor Kommerell
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Sylvanus Odjo
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jelle Van Loon
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Daniela Vega
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Nele Verhulst
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Lennart Woltering
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Molly Jahn
- Jahn Research Group, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Martin Kropff
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico
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Hebinck A, Zurek M, Achterbosch T, Forkman B, Kuijsten A, Kuiper M, Nørrung B, Veer PV’, Leip A. A Sustainability Compass for policy navigation to sustainable food systems. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021; 29:100546. [PMID: 34178596 PMCID: PMC8204684 DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Growing acknowledgement that food systems require transformation, demands comprehensive sustainability assessments that can support decision-making and sustainability governance. To do so, assessment frameworks must be able to make trade-offs and synergies visible and allow for inclusive negotiation on food system outcomes relevant to diverse food system actors. This paper reviews literature and frameworks and builds on stakeholder input to present a Sustainability Compass made up of a comprehensive set of metrics for food system assessments. The Compass defines sustainability scores for four societal goals, underpinned by areas of concern. We demonstrate proof of concept of the operationalization of the approach and its metrics. The Sustainability Compass is able to generate comprehensive food system insights that enables reflexive evaluation and multi-actor negotiation for policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniek Hebinck
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monika Zurek
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thom Achterbosch
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Björn Forkman
- Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anneleen Kuijsten
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Marijke Kuiper
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Birgit Nørrung
- Dept. of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pieter van ’t Veer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands
| | - Adrian Leip
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, VA, Italy
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Digitalization for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Potential, Status, and Risks for the MENA Region. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13063223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Digital technologies offer a potential solution to improve sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—of agri-food systems around the globe. While developed countries have led the innovation and adoption of digital agriculture, the potential impact in developing countries—including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—is massive. This article synthesizes existing evidence to review the potential and current contribution of digital technologies to the agri-food sectors in MENA. Digital agriculture shows promise in addressing the key challenges facing the agri-food sector across MENA countries. Improvements in primary production, supply chain and logistics performance, and optimized use of scarce natural resources (notably agricultural water) could be notable, if digital technologies can be implemented as envisioned. Available evidence shows that adoption of digital agriculture is at early stages, generally led by high-value agricultural production targeting domestic markets in Gulf countries and export markets in Mashreq countries. Economic sustainability appears the strongest force for current adoption, with less focus on social or environmental sustainability. Public policies should not only foster the adoption of digital technologies in MENA but also ensure equity of access, transparency of use, data protections, and labor protections. Policymakers should move beyond traditional, production-centric views to deliver also on social and environmental sustainability.
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