{"id":44305,"date":"2024-03-22T15:19:48","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T14:19:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/?p=44305"},"modified":"2024-03-22T15:35:04","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T14:35:04","slug":"what-exactly-is-sustainable-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axfoundation.se\/en\/news\/what-exactly-is-sustainable-agriculture","title":{"rendered":"What Exactly is Sustainable Agriculture?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Maria Lundesj\u00f6 is a Food Agronomist with a PhD in Food Science from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) She is also a Project Manager within Future Food at Axfoundation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Maria Lundesj\u00f6’s Sustainability Insights:<\/strong> One thing is certain: To feed the world’s growing population without risking catastrophic environmental consequences, we must change the way we produce our food. Period. But how? When sustainable agriculture takes center stage, a variety of terms describing cultivation methods are thrown around; organic, conventional, regenerative, conservation agriculture… The list goes on. But what do they really mean? What are the pros and cons? Are they truly distinct, or are there common denominators? And is one superior? Hold on tight. We’re about to clarify these concepts!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Let’s start where Axfoundation always starts. In the problem statement and the question of why: Why is sustainable agriculture important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, because the transition to sustainable agriculture is fundamental. Inevitable. And vital. Because the challenges within global agriculture are monumental. Agricultural land occupies about 40% of the Earth’s land area (the majority is used for feed). The food sector accounts for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, 75-80% of biodiversity loss, 70% of freshwater usage, and nearly 100% of the impact on biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus). Moreover, of all that we produce, as much as one-third goes to waste. One-third. That’s an immense amount.<\/p>\n

The transition to sustainable agriculture is fundamental. Inevitable. And vital.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

At the same time, agriculture itself is, of course, fundamental. Inevitable. And vital. As is well known – one must eat, otherwise one dies. However it\u2019s also vital as agriculture is linked to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as pollination and water regulation, which are crucial for a sustainable ecosystem and human well-being. It can also sequester carbon in the soil through plant photosynthesis; the less the soil is disturbed, the greater the potential to sequester the carbon dioxide. And, of course, agriculture is an economic engine that creates employment and generates income.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n \"Agricultural\n

Agricultural land occupies about 40% of the Earth's land area.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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What is agriculture?<\/h2>\n
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AGRICULTURE. The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.<\/em>
\nIn general use: cultivation or farming of land. (Lat.) Agitatio terr\u00e6.<\/em><\/p>\n

Agriculture, in essence, is a human activity and can be described as a collection of methods and techniques used in fields and pastures for cultivating land and producing food, feed, fiber, and other useful products.<\/p>\n

It typically involves various phases, including land preparation, seeding and planting, crop management, harvesting, and often animal husbandry.<\/p>\n

The goal of agriculture is to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of food and other products to meet human needs.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

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What is the common ground in sustainable agriculture?<\/h3>\n

Sustainable agriculture encompasses a range of concepts and methods. What they all have in common is that they aim to reduce the negative environmental impact of agriculture. This can involve reducing the need for artificial inputs, conserving natural resources, combating reduced productivity, ensuring economic viability, and promoting social justice. Some of the most common concepts include:<\/p>\n