Introduction to Agriculture and the Global Food System

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is defined as the active production of useful plants or animals in ecosystems that have been created by people. 

What is encompassed under the umbrella of agriculture?

Agriculture covers crop production (growing grains, cereals, grasses and pulses for human consumption, animal consumption and fuel) and livestock rearing. It also includes many related industries such as: 

• Agronomy
• Horticulture
• Breeding and genetics
• Seed science
• Soil science
• Crop physiology
• Plant pathology
• Biotechnology
• Agricultural engineering
• Agricultural economics
• Agricultural chemistry
• Agricultural microbiology

Why is agriculture important?

Agriculture is the world’s largest employer, with an estimated 300-350 million small farmers globally. It is also central to communities, supporting livelihoods (particularly in rural areas), with a significant proportion of participation and employment fulfilled by women. It is also a central part of culture – food is one of our most basic needs and is a deep-rooted part of our identity. 

Why do we need sustainable agriculture?

Agriculture is significantly exposed to (and a significant contributor to) climate change impacts. Changing climate, changing weather patterns and extreme events pose real challenges to the stability and sustainability of food production, particularly in areas already facing severe food security concerns. 

Agricultural production is responsible for 11% of global emissions directly. When including related land use, land use change and forestry, the figure rises to 19% of global emissions (which is largely driven by deforestation for agricultural purposes). From farm to fork, the global food system as a whole is estimated to produce more than 30% of global emissions.

Likewise, it is both a contributor to and responsible for a large portion of the biodiversity losses we have faced over recent decades. The UN Environment Programme states that agriculture is the threat to 84% of the 28,000 global species at risk of extinction.

What are the 3 main drivers of agriculture?

Until recently, the overwhelming focus of the sector has been to: 

1. Maximise output
2. Maintain price stability
3. Generate ever-cheaper food