It's from the Soil that Sustainable Food Systems Must Sprout
This article is featured in the Magazine “Exploring Origin – The Importance of Knowing Where Food Comes From”, created in collaboration with Global Retail Brands. You can find more insights about the Magazine and additional articles here.
Understanding the origins of our food is, in my view, one of the most insightful and intelligent questions we can pose in modern times.
This question holds significance: stemming from the root of the Latin verb “intelligere”, meaning “to comprehend”, it enables us to decipher the profound challenges of our era.
Confronting global food insecurity and climate challenges
We confront a mounting global demand for food amidst the backdrop of alarming climate change and geopolitical upheavals, ranging from widespread pandemics to conflicts. The reliability, security, and quality of our food supply is now more precarious than ever.
The proportion of individuals residing in developing nations has surged from 66% in 1950 to approximately 85% today. Within these countries, there are 8 billion people reliant on food systems that are yet to establish robust food production practices and resilient healthcare systems.
Regrettably, the inquiry into the origins of food garners little interest among the global populace, representing only a minority. This lack of engagement stems from deficiencies in cultural awareness, education, and economic means to access safe and nutritious food. It is crucial to acknowledge that 700 million people worldwide still suffer from hunger, with an additional 100 million experiencing food insecurity compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019. In an ideal scenario, these individuals would have the opportunity to contemplate the origins of their sustenance; however, many are confronted with the stark reality of insufficient food options.
Interest in the origins of our food remains confined to a niche of well-educated individuals with heightened awareness on the subject. Nonetheless, it is imperative that we continue to prioritize education on the topic, recognizing that each reader possesses the potential to catalyze positive change within the agricultural and food sectors.
“Interest in the origins of our food remains confined to a niche of well-educated individuals with heightened awareness on the subject. Nonetheless, it is imperative that we continue to prioritize education on the topic.”
Soil – a fundamental source
Our food originates from the earth.
While this may seem a simplistic response, my aim is to underscore the fundamental and authentic source of food production.
Indeed, 95% of our food derives from the earth through agricultural practices. Even animal products such as meat and dairy ultimately trace back to the earth, as animals predominantly consume cultivated grains.
The health of our food is intricately linked to the health of our soil. Healthy soil not only enhances the quality of food but also contributes to the well-being of those who consume it.
Soil serves as not only the “mother” of our food but also a vital component in combating climate change, serving as a significant carbon sink, second only to the ocean.
While agriculture and the food industry are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of best practices, such as regenerative agriculture, can transform them into positive agents of climate change mitigation.
Farmers play a pivotal role in stewarding our land and soil, and it is imperative to provide them with education and incentives to promote sustainable practices. Governments, too, must prioritize enacting simple regulations and incentives to encourage healthy soil management.
Despite progress, global pesticide sales continue to escalate at a 4% annual increase, posing threats to soil biodiversity and exacerbating land degradation. It is essential to transition towards regenerative agriculture to safeguard our lands and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Embracing local and sustainable food systems
The geographical origin of food remains pertinent in our quest to understand its source. Supporting locally sourced products not only reduces transportation emissions but also sustains local economies and biodiversity.
Authentic local products, cultivated within specific regions over generations, contribute to local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conversely, recent relocations of food production can disrupt ecological balances, as evidenced by the introduction of invasive species due to mass soy cultivation in certain regions.
Consumers should prioritize authentic local products while also embracing global specialties that foster cultural exchange and preserve biodiversity. However, when opting for imported goods, it is essential to support producers committed to environmentally friendly practices across all stages of production.
While logistics and packaging contribute to a product’s carbon footprint, the majority of emissions stem from production and cultivation processes.
In conclusion, our soil and earth represent invaluable resources in our pursuit of sustainable food systems and climate resilience.
By directing our efforts towards soil health and embracing innovation, we can achieve healthier, more efficient, and diverse food production systems.
Optimism persists that the future of our food origins will be characterized by health, respect for the environment, efficiency, and diversity.
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