Food systems connect everything from soil health and farming practices to global trade, consumer diets, and waste. They are deeply interlinked with climate change, water use, biodiversity, and public health.
Agriculture accounts for over 70% of freshwater withdrawals and nearly 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable farming practices include crop rotation, agroforestry, no-till, and organic methods.
Long and complex food supply chains can disconnect consumers from food origins. Local food systems and shorter supply chains increase resilience and reduce transport emissions.
One-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Reducing waste across households, retail, and logistics can drastically improve resource efficiency and food security.
Diets high in plant-based foods and low in red meat have a lower environmental impact and improve health. Shifting consumption patterns is key to balancing planetary boundaries.
Policy, innovation, and citizen behavior all drive the shift to sustainable food systems. Tools like lifecycle assessments (LCA), carbon labeling, and farm-to-fork traceability are gaining traction.