The future of food production in five words

13 hours ago

5 min read

The MAA-akatemia community of farmers, advisors and experts share a holistic vision of sustainable food production that can be summed up in five words: Regenerative farming, agroecology, organic, permaculture and holistic farming . If we were playing basketball, agroforestry would win the 6th player of the year award and biodynamic farming would win the defensive player of the year award. Partnership farming would be the most improved player of the season.

Each sustainable food production trend and method has its own role in a food system in transition. Views on these roles vary, which is why we took a stand. A link to our definitions can be found at the end of the article.

We did not reinvent the wheel. The Baltic Sea Action Group, EARA, Agroecology Europe and many other pioneers of sustainable farming have successfully clarified these key themes. We rely on their work. Organic production as a legally regulated model does not need much explanation, but its place in the transformation also arouses discussion.

At MAA-akatemia, we believe that it is essential to understand the principles, driving forces and historical context behind regenerative farming, agroecology and related terms; to recognise the true spirit of the times and the transition. Diversity, ecological literacy and social values are not things that can be glued on. What is happening is not just a structural change in the agricultural sector or a change in the market environment. Our society is going through a broader sustainability transition, in which the basis of the prevailing social contract, production value chains and economic and political order is being reassessed, and there are repercussions in many directions. The cultural values, human image and traditions related to these must also be examined.

The art of openness and listening

In the MAA-akatemia community, we practice openness and listening. We avoid building silos between trends. We see the trends in sustainable agriculture as having a common goal: sustainable, profitable farming and a more diverse food system. If you can’t learn from others in your bubble, something is wrong. The importance of continuous learning, openness and systemic thinking is even more emphasized in a world where smart technology has taken our cognitive abilities to a new level.

A more detailed description of our future vision can be found here .

So we need a lot of words and the courage to look at the big picture. Engineering-like precise and technical definitions are useful in limited contexts. A broader transformation requires interpretation and concepts to describe complex social phenomena. Such are inevitably used inconsistently, and the relationships between words are not clear-cut. The purpose of the MAA-akatemia definitions is to bring depth, flexibility and also clarity to the discussion. Time will tell how well we succeeded.

Our definitions also convey a will to focus on positive change and build the future we want to see. The time for pointing out problems and broken things is over. Everyone already knows. If they don't, they will notice. Blaming and pointing rarely helps.

Organic and regenerative farming

The relationship between organic and regenerative farming will continue to be a topic of discussion. Organic farming is a trusted, well-known and regulated model, but it is also an established and locked-in model. Regenerative farming offers a broader, more flexible toolbox and often goes further than organic farming. At the same time, regenerative farming may be interpreted loosely and to suit one's own needs. The use of plant protection products and genetic technologies is a watershed in the discussion, as well as the interpretation of diversity in different contexts. There are still many differences of opinion between the consumer and the different actors in the value chain.

We may need mutually agreed and more specific criteria for regenerative farming, perhaps certificates. We will not take a position on these criteria at this point.

There are models to choose from. BSAG has already published preliminary criteria and a learning path for Finland . In the United States, for example, Regenerative Organic certification is growing.

More ecological food for city dwellers, higher quality food for your own community

The path towards more sustainable farming is not pursued in the same way on different farms, value chains and scales.

Farms and industrial-scale value chains that produce food for urban populations and stores are now rapidly developing more ecological production methods, in practice by improving soil growth conditions and studying the benefits and necessity of ecological diversity. In a billion-dollar market, the principles of regenerative farming, and a possible future set of criteria, are a useful framework to complement organic production. In a big market, there are big gamblers, achieved advantages, and in the change, there are also big losers and capable brakemen. The big ship and the established order (regime) are turning laboriously. The legislator, i.e. the payer of subsidies, is pushing along as best he can.

Closer to the grassroots level, pioneer producers, young farmers and changers are doing something different. The phenomenon seems to be receiving little attention from mainstream bubble experts. . These pioneers want to produce higher-quality food using ecological principles, also for their own family and local community. The farm size is often smaller and the contact with the market is different, most often direct sales to consumers or restaurants. Public support is minimal. Typical operating models include partnership farming, REKO sales and artisanal food processing. Diversity efforts and social innovations are emphasized. These innovations are well described by the terms agroecological movement and permaculture , although internationally, regenerative farming often means the same thing.

So there is no relief in store for those looking for unambiguous definitions.

Change from above and below

The agroecological movement is about much more than just ecological, diverse and profitable farming - although that is at the core of the movement. In addition to ecological production, the movement also builds more local food value chains, community-based farming, food citizenship, a more harmonious relationship with nature, healthy lifestyles and a more broadly renewable, reasonable, fair and planetary-bound material culture. For them, change starts with their own plate and increasing market share only comes after this.

Regenerative farming and agroecology are in many ways sister concepts. We still consider it important to recognize the differences and tensions between parallel developments. Industrial and strictly regulated food chains are looking for a path towards more balanced and ecologically sustainable production through regenerative farming and organic farming. On a smaller scale and at the margins, food production and exchange based on different principles are being built. Younger generations seem to be more interested in the latter.

Ecological principles and the pursuit of comprehensive sustainability practically unite everyone. There is a place for everyone. Each farm must also walk its own path and clearly define its own goals. Entrepreneurial spirit is needed in all directions.

www.maa-akatemia.fi/sustainable-cultivation