Could Organic Farming Feed the World Sustainably?
The potential for organic farming to play a significant role in feeding a growing global population has long been debated. A major scientific study published in 2017 in Nature Communications sheds light on this critical issue, offering evidence that organic agriculture can indeed meet the world's food needs sustainably—but with some essential changes to current practices.
The 2017 Research Findings
Scientists from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) explored whether organic farming could produce the same amount of protein and calories as conventional farming, but with reduced environmental impacts. Their conclusion? Organic agriculture has the potential to feed the world sustainably, provided we take specific steps to reduce food waste and shift land use away from producing the current amounts of animal feed.
Key findings from the study include:
• Land Use: If food waste is cut and a significant portion of arable land currently used for animal feed is repurposed, the total land required to feed the population organically could remain below today’s levels. It is true to say however that without these necessary changes a complete transition to organic farming would require more land than current agriculture practises due to an average lower yields.
• Environmental Benefits: Organic farming reduces nitrogen surplus and eliminates harmful pesticide and synthetic chemical use, offering significant environmental benefits.
• Dietary Shifts: While the study does not advocate for universal vegetarianism, it does suggest reducing the production and consumption of animal products. This change would free up cropland to grow plants directly for human consumption, enhancing sustainability.
The 2021 IDDRI Report: A Vision for the UK
Further evidence supporting the viability of organic and agroecological farming comes from the 2021 IDDRI report, Modelling an Agroecological UK in 2050. This report highlights the transformative potential of agroecological practices, with organic farming as a cornerstone, to create a resilient and sustainable food system in the UK.
Key conclusions include:
• Biodiversity Gains: Agroecological practices, which eliminate synthetic inputs and incorporate green infrastructure such as hedges and meadows, lead to significant biodiversity improvements.
• Dietary Adjustments: Halving the consumption of animal products would free up 7% of the UK’s agricultural land for purposes beyond domestic production, such as afforestation or conservation.
• GHG Emissions Reduction: By closing nutrient cycles and reducing nitrogen-related emissions, agroecological farming could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 38%. Afforestation could offset an additional 60% or more of remaining emissions.
• Food Independence: Currently a net importer of most foodstuffs except milk, the UK could improve its trade balance and eliminate imported deforestation by adopting agroecological practices.
UK ORGANIC and the idea of a Mosaic of Solutions
It is important to note that UK ORGANIC does not suggest organic as a one-size-fits-all solution, however we do believe it does represent a credible and resilient approach to food production while addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. Combining organic practices with other sustainable methods in a mosaic of solutions is likely to be the best way forward. The EU have set targets for 25% of their agricultural land to be organic by 2030 because it is a food production approach that has significant environmental and social benefits. UK ORGANIC support an initial target on 10% organic land in the UK
By making sensible adjustments—including reducing food waste, shifting dietary patterns, and implementing organic practices - we can look forward to a positive, thriving future. Organic farming is primarily about producing food; but it is also part of the solution to the challenges confronting us; not just by changing farming practices, but also by championing a profound, positive impact on our food, our society and the planet.