Conscious decisions

21-10-2020 | Specials | Article

Most of us know that we need to be living in a sustainable and responsible manner. For many that may mean focusing on recycling and making more ‘conscious’ decisions as a consumer.

The UN predicts our global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050, that’s 2 billion extra mouths to feed. Will we be able to provide food for them and how, without overwhelming the planet?

Agriculture comes at an environmental cost

Emitting greenhouse gases and producing run-off from fertilisers, these environmental challenges will only increase as we globally try to meet the demand for growing more food.

Consumer: A driving force

Spurred on by animal activists, the consumer is one of the driving forces behind how livestock is raised. Some consumers are willing to pay that little bit ‘extra’ for products if they know the company’s beliefs follow their own. This understanding of the importance of animal welfare is growing every year.

It is going to require a joint effort from all fronts; farmers, consumers and policymakers if we are going to achieve doubling the availability of food while at the same time decreasing the environmental impact caused by agriculture.

I am sure that we have a long way to go before we can confidently say that ‘yes’ we can provide enough food to feed all 9.7 billion mouths and all in a safe, sustainable and responsible manner. What do you think?