Across the globe, the focus on sustainable agriculture and food innovations is becoming increasingly urgent as climate change and biodiversity loss take center stage. Recent initiatives show how different sectors are stepping up to embrace greener practices, whether through innovative technologies or changes at the foundational level of food production systems.
One remarkable example is the Philippine Sustainability Movement, recently highlighted by the 9th Annual Philippine Sustainability Movement Event, led by SeaTrace International and Marriott Manila, which took place on October 22, 2024. This gathering brought together various stakeholders from government, environmental organizations, and the hospitality sector to discuss eco-friendly sourcing and transforming food systems. Christian Schmidradner, Managing Partner of SeaTrace, expressed the event's goals: "The exchange of ideas between the participants and the creation of new collaboration projects was the goal," reflecting optimism about the partnerships formed to tackle sustainability challenges alongside the private sector, NGOs, and government entities.
Among the themes discussed was the WWF’s Great Food Puzzle report, which unveiled strengths and weaknesses within the Philippine food system, aiming to address climate and biodiversity targets set for 2030. Melody Melo-Rijk from WWF emphasized the importance of responsible sourcing to protect the oceans and livelihoods.
Another key area of concern raised at the event was sustainable fisheries and marine conservation. Experts highlighted the significance of tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses obstacles to economic opportunities and puts marine biodiversity at risk. Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos of Oceana remarked, "Our oceans hold the key to both feeding the world and preserving our planet," pointing out the necessity of sustainability certifications, like those from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), for species like yellowfin tuna.
Alongside the fishery discussions, the event also spotlighted the pressing issue of plastic pollution. The Philippines generates about 2.7 million tons of plastic annually, with around 20% finding its way to the ocean. Marian Ledesma from Greenpeace Philippines called for urgent action to cut down plastic use, stating, "Plastic pollution is choking our oceans, endangering wildlife, threatening human health, and accelerating the climate crisis." Marriott Manila's initiatives which include replacing plastic bottles with glass were highlighted as part of the industry’s movement toward sustainability.
International discussions on sustainable practices also gained momentum at EuroTier, scheduled for November 12-15, 2024, where Trouw Nutrition, Nutreco’s livestock feed brand, will introduce new precision nutrition tools aimed at bolstering sustainable livestock farming. This includes solutions for diverse animal categories like ruminants, poultry, and swine, advocating for optimized sustainability across the farming value chain.
Trouw Nutrition is set to showcase innovative products like Sprayfo Ultimo, devised to improve calf nutrition and development, and Selko® IntelliBond, which leads the industry in trace mineral nutrition to reduce carbon footprints. Their approach encapsulates the essence of combining science with sustainability, aiming to create impactful changes within the farming sector.
Notably, the event at EuroTier will also introduce My EggPrint, Trouw Nutritions' life-cycle assessment tool for egg production. This innovation is intended to measure and help mitigate the environmental impacts of egg production, blending carbon footprint data with nutritional expertise.
With global food demands increasing and environmental threats on the rise, these initiatives highlight the necessary evolution of food systems—fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Companies like SeaTrace and Trouw Nutrition are driving the conversation forward, creating frameworks and solutions for the challenges faced by agriculture today.
The urgency surrounding sustainable agricultural practices is also echoed in the legislative arena, particularly with the proposed delay of the European Union's EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This regulation mandates traders to demonstrate their products are deforestation-free, set to take effect for large operations by December 30, 2025. Concerns about industry readiness to comply and navigate the complex requirements have prompted discussions on the need for clearer guidance from the EU Commission, which many view as imperative to avoid hindered progress.
Thomas Vaassen, co-founder of the digital compliance tool provider Meridia, emphasized the importance of the regulation, asserting the delay should not deter investments already made by companies: "The regulation is moving forward—that remains the consensus among experts." He pointed out how pilot programs have been beneficial in preparing for the transition.
Despite some setbacks with guidance, industry leaders remain optimistic about the impact of EUDR on sustainability practices. Enhanced focus on traceability, through compliance corridors and sustainability certifications, is seen as instrumental for creating more resilient supply chains, particularly for products derived from environmentally sensitive land.
Interestingly, during discussions surrounding the EUDR, the conversation shifted to the reliance on data management—a key component of sustainable agricultural practices. Rémi Cristoforetti, CEO of Le Gouessant, articulated the challenges faced due to the complexity of monitoring compliance, particularly with data reporting shortcomings.
Comparably, the poultry sector has joined the movement toward sustainable practices, with Trouw Nutrition poised to reveal advancements at EuroTier focused on sustainable feed systems. Utilizing innovative technologies, such as the Watson swine model which simulates farm conditions to provide actionable insights, the livestock industry is embracing solutions to support sustainability.
With the rise of sustainable agriculture and food innovations, these initiatives signify hopeful change as stakeholders collaborate for eco-conscious solutions. With credible participation from multinational corporations and grassroots organizations alike, the narrative surrounding sustainable food production is transforming.
The intertwining effects of climate change along with rising global food demand shape the agricultural dialogue across the globe. Sustainable farming practices, highlighted by alliances formed at the Philippine Sustainability Movement and EuroTier, exhibit the potential for industries to evolve their strategies for addressing climatic shifts and helping restore balance to ecosystems.
Indeed, the way forward is complicated, but the steps being taken today indicate momentum toward sustainable practices and greater food system resilience. Initiatives like these remind the world of the collective responsibility we bear to not only care for our planet but also to innovate toward sustainable food futures, ensuring we can feed generations to come without compromising the health of our environment.
