Can Agriculture & Food Systems Be Sustainable?
Agriculture and food systems account for about one-third of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Global agrifood systems emissions reached 16.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2eq) in 2022 – up 10% from 2000.
This encompasses everything from crop and livestock production to land use change, food processing, transportation and waste.
Within this, livestock and fisheries directly account for about 30% of food-related GHG emissions, crop production for one-quarter and supply chains – including processing, packaging and distribution – 18%.
Addressing this emissions footprint is critical – left unchecked, food system emissions alone would push the world beyond the 2°C global warming threshold, even if fossil fuel emissions ceased tomorrow.
To meet global climate targets, decarbonisation of agriculture and food systems must be multifaceted, integrating regenerative farming, renewable energy, smarter supply chains, consumer action, advanced technology, progressive land management and resilient strategies for climate adaptation.
Read the full article in the magazine.
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is at the forefront of climate-smart farming, emphasising soil health, biodiversity and natural carbon sequestration.
Unlike conventional agriculture, which often depletes soil and disrupts natural processes, regenerative agriculture enhances soil health, increases biodiversity and sequesters carbon. Regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, crop rotations, composting and agroforestry enhance soil organic matter, turning agricultural soils into significant carbon sinks.
Transforming how land is managed – through agroforestry, smarter rotations and soil amendments like biochar – reduces emissions and boosts resilience.
Biochar, a charcoal produced from organic waste, improves soil health, stores carbon long-term and reduces need for synthetic fertilisers. Agroforestry integrates trees into cropping and grazing lands, increasing biodiversity, resilience and soil carbon.
Sustainability on farms
Integrating renewable energy and bioenergy solutions within agriculture not only reduces emissions from on-farm operations but also turns waste into valuable energy. Renewable energy can replace fossil fuels for machinery, water pumps and processing, while bioenergy from agricultural residues can power farms and local communities.
With climate shocks intensifying, adaptation is a priority alongside mitigation. Developing and scaling resilient crops, livestock and farming systems help buffer producers from drought, heat, flood and pest risks.
Technology is revolutionising climate-smart agriculture. Advanced solutions – spanning remote sensing, artificial intelligence, blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) – are empowering farmers and agri-businesses to optimise resource use, detect inefficiencies and verify sustainability outcomes.
Tackling emissions beyond the farm
Food supply chains – covering product processing, transport, packaging and retail – account for roughly 18% of total food-related emissions.
Major food producers are accelerating decarbonisation across their value chains through supplier engagement, cleaner logistics and lower-emission packaging.
Consumer choices – from diet to food waste management – hold immense power to reduce food system emissions. Reducing food waste, shifting towards plant-rich diets and opting for sustainably certified products can drive change both upstream and downstream in the food chain.
Transitioning toward sustainable food systems
Agriculture and food systems are both a challenge and an opportunity in the climate equation. 2025 has proven a pivotal year – corporations from General Mills to Nestlé and Bayer have established regenerative, circular and technologically advanced systems that prioritise both decarbonisation and resilience.
Collaborative innovation among farmers, food companies, technology providers and consumers is pivotal.
Only by integrating regenerative agriculture, renewables, consumer empowerment, digital intelligence, sustainable land management and robust adaptation can the sector align with climate targets and ensure a food-secure, emissions-neutral future.
