The journey of our food from “field to fork” touches every step of the supply chain from production to distribution and retail, and finally to demand, perception, and consumption. Actors, along every step of the process, face challenges managing their direct and indirect impact on climate through GHG emissions.
Downstream business models are deploying technology to influence production, volume, logistics, and waste reduction. Similarly, innovation in sustainable farming methods is transforming the upstream process from an expanded controlled environment AG to a broader acceptance of biologicals. From field to fork, the change is reflected in the opinion of the more conscientious consumer.
The scope of innovation potential links to the scope of our carbon challenge: large and growing, as illustrated by a few critical data points.
“The scope of innovation potential links to the scope of our carbon challenge: large and growing”
• Soil Organic Carbon represents a stock of around 1,500-2,400 GtC in the top meter of soil. (Sanderman et al.; PNAS, 2017, 114, 9575-80). Sanderman et al. also determined that Soil Organic Carbon has dropped by some 140-150 GtC through cultivation since the advent of agriculture some 8-10k years ago.
• Economically viable soil Carbon sequestration potential is perhaps 2 Gt CO2/ year, currently with possible 5 Gt CO2/year with cost improvements (e.g., Zomer et al.; Scientific Reports, 2017, 7, 15554).
Considering the magnitude of the challenge, solutions can come in any shape and size. Upstream contributions may be more apparent, such as reducing carbon emissions from the food and agricultural system, but even some of those improvements may be less obvious than others. For instance, a shift from large equipment that increases soil compaction would positively impact soil health and potentially provide a carbon sequestration opportunity. Thus, the use of drones to deliver chemicals could indirectly contribute to solving the carbon challenge.
Since land conversion is the thirdlargest contributor to annual carbon emissions across the global Ag and food system, we need solutions that not only stop this spread but are cognizant of secondary impact potential. A shift from the large land demands of animal feed agriculture to improved feed efficiency or plant-based protein alternatives are examples of how we can reduce emissions through demand changes.
The challenge is dawning on consumers. Agriculture is at a pivotal stage with the opportunity to leverage decadeslong trends of dietary shifts and “good for you” food health demands. Locally grown is already part of the consumer lexicon, but we want to identify the next trend, be it Controlled Environment Agriculture, precision, or supply chain cycling.
Entrepreneurs should consider the breadth of ways to influence carbon emissions along the supply chain and the impact of consumer consumption patterns at the demand end. We need companies that deliver complete solutions through new business models and new product categories as the basis of their value proposition. Therefore, serious entrepreneurs are needed. Entrepreneurs who themselves are adaptive, learning and adjusting their business models and product breakthroughs to keep pace in a rapidly changing industry. And of course, we seek entrepreneurs with a passion for system change and to leave a legacy for our generations to come who currently are looking at paying the price for our Ag and food system excesses.
