Food systems play a central role in all societies and are fundamental to sustainable development. The environmental and social impacts of the global food system are interconnected and affect diverse...
Open-sourced food production – the future of urban diets?
Scientists are developing open-source technologies that reward locally grown foods, cutting down on shipping and improving nutrition
A social-ecological framework for analyzing and designing integrated crop–livestock systems from farm to territory levels
Integrated crop–livestock systems are often considered a promising way to address agricultural sustainability issues. Many authors claim that complementarities and synergies between crops and livestock can improve nutrient cycling and delivery of ecosystem services (ES) in agricultural systems. They have analyzed effects of interactions at the farm level and affirmed the potential advantage of developing crop–livestock interactions at the territory level. However, potential benefits of developing synergies beyond the farm level have not been clearly identified. Thus, we developed a conceptual framework that can be used to analyze, design and perform integrated assessment of crop–livestock systems at the territory level. To address crop–livestock interaction issues, we define it as a social-ecological system called the territorial crop–livestock system (TCLS). The ecological system is represented as three interacting components, crops, grasslands and animals, allowing description of various land uses and their potential effects on nutrient cycling and ES. The social system, represented as farmers interacting with natural-resource managers and agro-food chain actors, determines land use and the nature and intensity of ES delivered. We highlight the importance of coordination and learning among actors to support implementation of complex adaptive systems such as TCLSs. We illustrate the expressive power of our conceptual framework through development of a generic typology of crop–livestock systems. Then we show how our conceptual framework can be used as an intermediary object with stakeholders in participatory design approaches. We illustrate this process by representing four archetypal TCLSs. We provide an example of the design approach implemented in Southwestern France to address severe recurrent water shortages, which includes analysis of land use in the current crop–livestock system and the associated key metabolic and ES issues, identification of options for change and multi-criteria analysis of these options. We conclude that this framework shows great potential to support development of sustainable farming systems at the territory level.
Data Governance for Sustainable Digital Food Systems | DigiFood
Explore our research on agricultural data governance in Kenya, India, and Colombia. We aim to support civil society with a human-rights based approach to digital food systems. Join us in promoting equitable practices for sustainable agriculture.
INVESTING IN REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
THE INVESTING IN REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PODCASTThrough 400+ interviews with farmers, investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs, the podcast puts the spotlight on the pioneers in the regenerative food and agriculture space to learn more on how to put our money to work to regenerate soil, people, local communities and ecosystems while making an appropriate and fair return.
Living Systems Network – Living Systems Network
Holding space to build and celebrate community to #coGrow and #coCook. coFood Vancouver catalyzes neighbours and projects doing good work in our food communities. Together we practice collaborative urban farming through a #permaculture lens, and convene dinners & dialogues on #foodwaste - #foodsupply - #foodjustice - #foodtech - #foodeducation
Green economic planning for rapid decarbonisation
Sustainable futures require deep social and economic transformations to address climate change adequately. The current landscape of intergovernmental and market-based coordination is not delivering...
Bioregionalism, Commoning, and Relationalized Finance | David Bollier
Have you noticed how the term “bioregional” is becoming a new eco-buzzword and greenwashing term? At the same time, many ordinary people are genuinely excited about the idea of bioregionalism as a constructive way to focus activism and socioeconomic innovation. Bioregionalism offers a practical, politically accessible space for addressing climate change, social inequality, the eclipse of democracy, out-of-control oligarchs, and capitalist growth.
The brutal trade-off that will decide the future of food
A growing number of thinkers say factory farming can help save the planet. Are they right?
Global Program on Sustainability
The Global Program on Sustainability (GPS) helps countries value nature as a driver of jobs, resilience, investment, and long-term prosperity.
A System for Sustainable FOSS
Disclaimers: This system is still a work in process. I look forward to reading (and incorporating!) y...
Reflect nature’s ‘true value’ in economic policies and decisions, UN chief urges
Nations must start weighing up the cost of economic profit against damage to the environment if they are to have a chance at a sustainable future, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday.
Plant-based meat has been relentlessly — and unfairly — attacked as “ultra-processed.” Can the industry save itself?
Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods are placing big, divergent bets on the future of meat. Who will win?
Regenerative Economics
Regenerative economies strengthen social and ecological systems. It's time for economics education to show us how.
The Hunger Gap
A gulf in public understanding prevents us from seeing how and why our food supply is at risk.
Home - Schumacher Center for a New Economics
Our mission is to envision a just and regenerative economy; apply the concepts locally; then share the results for broad replication. Programs Library Lectures & Publications The Decentralism File Community Land Trust Local Currencies Reinventing The Commons All Programs eNewsletters All News “Since there is now increasing evidence of environmental deterioration, particularly in … Continued
Steward Ownership, Sustainability, and Capitalism: Part 1