By 2050, the planet will be home to another 2 billion people, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). That's plenty of mouths to feed. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) calculated that we'll need to produce 60% more food. So, how do we?

It's a loaded and complex question with many answers that should be in sync. An important aspect of that is our food choices. You've heard the phrase, "We are what we eat". What we eat today will affect Earth's ability to provide for future populations. That means sustainable farming and eating.

Why sustainability?

In recent years, there's growing awareness of the interconnection between how we grow food, what we eat, and nutritional quality. What we eat reinforces our commitment to the environment. Almost all of us strive to eat in a healthy and balanced way. But do we know how our diet affects the environment and the planet's health?

It's clear that with increased awareness, more people are beginning to ask the question, "Is it sustainable?". For thousands of years, farmers used human and animal power to grow food consumed locally. By the 20th century, mechanised farming improved yields thanks to cheap fossil fuels. However, it came at a heavy price.

Food production isn't the most environmentally friendly activity. The United Nations estimates that the food industry is responsible for about 30% of global energy consumption. A 2018 Greenpeace report stated that livestock alone accounts for 14% of emissions. The fishing industry is also partly responsible. In 2020, fish production reached over 200 million tonnes. That left only 64% of species sustainable within the marine ecosystem.

In the coming decades, food supply and security will be threatened if little to no action is taken to tackle climate change. More erratic and extreme weather events, like heavy rains and droughts, will affect the entire food supply chain.

Eating sustainably

Sustainable farming uses techniques and practices that help conserve natural resources with minimal environmental impact. What about sustainable eating? That's choosing foods that are healthier for the environment and ourselves. That's easier said than done.

The reality is the industrial food system is organised around profits, not the efficient allocation of finite resources to ensure everyone has nutritious food. The global food system is built for mass production of a few crops for conversion to meat, dairy, and processed foods. Then there are luxury items for developed countries, like chocolate, for example.

Most of the food produced by large multinationals isn't healthy. So, how does that change? The answer isn't popular since it involves reining in meat, dairy, and processed food production. Experts agree that the production and consumption of local, healthy foods should be prioritised.

The science on this has advanced. We know reducing the consumption of industrially produced red meat and dairy can reduce diet-related climate emissions. Replacing animal-based foods with pulses, nuts, fruits, and vegetables is a healthy alternative.

Eating sustainably isn't just a trend. It's something practical to follow. Here's how:

Grow something: Growing anything, like herbs or simple vegetables, can help us understand the factors involved in making plants thrive and the care needed to grow nutritious food.

Eat local: Much of the staples can be found locally grown or produced. They're often fresher and more nutritious.

Go organic: It might not be realistic for all our food to be organic. Not everyone has access to organic food, and it's relatively more expensive. But the main advantage is that it's the result of sustainable agriculture.

Less meat: Replacing meat with a plant-based diet helps protect the planet, improve health, and reduce costs. Raising animals for food generates more greenhouse gases than trucks and cars.

Building a sustainable diet and food system isn't easy. Here are some of the challenges:

Understanding: Many people don't have a clear idea of what a healthy and sustainable diet is. They think it's two different things when, in fact, they're interconnected.

Data gaps: High-quality analytical data across food systems is lacking, which results in difficulties in navigating, collating, and curating data across food systems.

Affordability: Price is arguably the most important factor when choosing what to buy and eat. Recommended diets are often unaffordable for some population groups, especially low-income households.

Cultural factors: Food is an essential component of any culture. It's deeply entrenched and personal. Many people across different countries and cultures might not accept recommendations or policies where certain foods are deemed undesirable, even if they're harmful to the environment.

Changing and shaping the future

The sustainability of food is becoming more important, not least due to our increasing population and limited resources. Several strategies can be adopted to enable more sustainable diets. It must be something that all stakeholders, from producers to consumers, are aware of, understand, and work toward.

At Smart Grow Farms, we're committed to providing the best possible solutions to sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly diets.