Supply-Chain Resilience

In February, agricultural analyst Sara Menker warned Yahoo! News that disruptions in the global supply chain, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are likely to intensify in the future. Menker stresses the importance of strategic long-term planning to enhance the resilience of our food systems. She notes a growing trend where countries limit their exports to stabilize prices domestically. Such interdependence can lead to shortages and price surges when demand exceeds supply.

But how can we lay the groundwork for this necessary change? Some regions are already making strides.

Take the West Coast, responsible for 15%-20% of the nation’s fresh produce. Many farmers in California have adapted their business models to prepare for a post-pandemic environment. These adaptations include offering direct-to-consumer supply boxes, diversifying operations with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and implementing health protocols to protect farmworkers in anticipation of future crises. Platforms like Oregon’s Local Food Marketplace and Washington’s Salmonberry Goods facilitate direct purchases from local farms, fostering closer ties between producers and consumers.

The USDA is also taking action. Recently, it allocated $3 billion for water management projects to support farmers affected by drought and to fund disease prevention initiatives for livestock. This investment includes research and development in partnership with the private sector to innovate in fertilizers, proteins, feed additives, and manure management.

Many businesses are facing shortages due to shipping and material gaps. To alleviate these issues, relief funds will assist with costs and provide meals to students in underfunded schools. Additionally, the USDA is investing in biofuels to enhance transportation capabilities and solar farms to address rising energy expenses.

Crisis can lead to new opportunities. As cover crop planting becomes more widespread, job creation will follow. There will be a need for more vendors and manufacturers to supply seeds and for truckers to transport products. Farmers will require training to master new technologies, which could be produced domestically. The previous Farm Bill initiated Rural Business-Cooperative Services (RBICs) to boost capital investment in rural areas, allowing farmers access to private equity for technological upgrades.

Innovative Revenue Streams

New job opportunities are emerging across agricultural sectors, many of which remain under the radar. By leveraging social media and public platforms, we can raise awareness of these potential markets.

Consider eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products. Reusable beeswax wraps can replace plastic wraps, while durable straws made from materials like glass, silicone, or bamboo can reduce single-use plastics. Avantium, a Dutch company, has developed biodegradable bottles made from plant materials.

Good Housekeeping has even compiled guides featuring these sustainable products, including compost bins, reusable shopping bags, and zero-waste cosmetics.

Innovative industries may arise as we creatively utilize sustainable materials. Researchers in Australia are refining a biodegradable “faux-plastic bag” made from banana tree pseudostems. Food scientists are investigating the tobacco hornworm caterpillar as a source for imitation seafood. Hemp farming could expand to provide insulation while improving soil health and sequestering carbon. The Pongamia tree offers beans that can be transformed into livestock feed and biofuels, while Connecticut fisherman Bren Smith is cultivating kelp, which has diverse applications in cosmetics and food products.

Scaling these commodities is crucial, and it requires fostering competition and enabling domestic production to market them as authentically "Made in America." This holistic approach can also help mitigate ocean acidification, ensuring clean water, abundant seafood, and a stable climate.

Advancements in Agriculture Technology

To transform our agricultural practices, we must build on existing innovations and expand their implementation. Indoor farming is becoming increasingly vital. Companies like Grov Technologies in Utah are pioneering techniques for cultivating livestock feed in indoor seed trays. Vertical farming, particularly through methods like hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics, is gaining traction. The current challenges are to enhance energy efficiency in these facilities, develop crop genetics suited for indoor environments, and reduce the high startup costs associated with them.

While some critics, like Robert Paarlberg, may express skepticism about indoor farming, he acknowledges the potential of lab-grown meat to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

As we embrace these shifts, we should also be mindful of the risks, including potential job losses and increased centralization of food processing. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (A.I.) can create new job opportunities in agriculture. Futurist Nikolas Badminton suggests that we should explore the potential of scientific advancements, including laboratory gene editing and A.I. for data analysis in farming. Robotic automation could also address labor shortages, particularly in precision agriculture.

Cost-effectiveness is a major hurdle. We need to support smaller farmers through grants and loans to help them adopt these technologies and stay competitive.

Sustainable Innovations for Climate Resilience

As I discussed last spring, threats like the amynthas worm, which depletes soil nutrients and moisture, highlight the need for innovative solutions.

Companies like Gotham Greens in Brooklyn utilize hydroponic greenhouses for lettuce and herbs, while Karma Farm in Maryland grows a variety of vegetables using similar methods. Educational initiatives, such as West Baltimore's Green Street Academy, provide training for sustainable careers alongside an onsite farm and fish hatchery. Irving Fain, CEO of Bowery Farming, aims to scale production of vertically-grown greens using sensor-driven local facilities.

Microgreens thrive indoors due to optimal air circulation and drainage. Integrating aquaculture with vegetable farming creates synergies that benefit both sectors. The Farmory in Wisconsin not only cultivates fish but also educates individuals on permaculture and aquaponics. Nordic Aquafarms is exploring operations in Maine and California, employing Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for sustainable fish farming, although challenges remain in achieving energy efficiency and effective monitoring.

Jack's Solar Garden in Colorado exemplifies how solar energy can support crop growth. This facility produces electricity while nurturing crops beneath solar panels, creating a mutually beneficial environment.

Yola Robert from TZR offers insights on home gardening and fish harvesting, emphasizing the pride in self-sufficiency. Upgrading food production methods can enhance American exceptionalism while reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship.

Innovative initiatives are emerging globally, including a student-led project in Central Washington developing mealworm larvae to consume Styrofoam. French biochemistry firm Carbios is researching enzymes to degrade plastic waste.

The UK is leading the charge in scientific advancements, including the development of "green ammonia," a cleaner fuel source with potential for controlled storage. Biochar, created from organic waste, offers numerous applications, including soil enhancement and construction materials.

Rethinking Agronomic Policies

As American voters, we must reframe our perception of food systems when shaping policy. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff’s recent visit to an urban farm at Kelly Miller Middle School in Washington D.C. serves as a symbol of merging business acumen with sustainability.

Love & Carrots, a mobile service in D.C., offers agri-tech installations and coaching for residents aiming to cultivate gardens in private and public spaces. Minnesota's Lawns-to-Legumes initiative encourages homeowners to create pollinator-friendly landscapes through workshops and funding.

Iowa farmers are advocating for education on sustainable cover crops and the integration of livestock grazing practices that enhance soil health, supported by cost-sharing programs. In Kentucky, App Harvest sponsors a "container classroom" at Frederick Douglass High School to teach advanced growing techniques.

Globally, “agripreneurship” is gaining traction, with Better Life Farming Centers in India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia providing resources and training for small farmers. In the UK, zero-waste restaurants like Silo focus on recycling and composting while sourcing ingredients from local producers.

As I previously mentioned, agriculture and food security are deeply interwoven with social and economic issues. While food policy alone won’t resolve every global challenge, it will empower us to address other pressing matters.

Supporting agri-sustainability is crucial for fostering stability and international cooperation. It can help prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, address malnutrition and racial inequality, and stimulate job creation.

Ultimately, if we care about our environment, our communities, and our future, we must recognize this issue as fundamental to our survival. The challenges of famine, climate change, and pollution will not disappear without our collective commitment to sustainable food systems.