Where does a ‘ nature first ’ approach leave chemical pesticides ?
The global food system is responsible for nearly one third of greenhouse gas emissions . How do we work with nature to make it healthier , more resilient and more equitable ? asks Patrice Sellès , CEO of Biotalys
Our food system needs an overhaul . Currently , the global food system is responsible for nearly one third of all greenhouse gas emissions . While we would all love to live in a net-zero world , and more and more companies are doing their part to try to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , the current reliance on fossil fuels at every stage of the global food system — from chemical- based pesticides and fertilisers to harvesting and transportation — does not lend itself easily to a ‘ nature-first ’ approach .
So what are the primary roadblocks to safer and more natural agricultural practices ? Fossil fuel-based practices continue to dominate our farming practices because of cost . Historically , fossil fuel-reliant , chemical-based solutions have been the easiest and most affordable practices to put , and keep , in place on farms around the globe .
However , with fuel costs climbing , these solutions simply are not as cheap as they once were . Beyond the cost , relying on fuel-driven practices is woefully unsustainable .
Coupled with the changing economics , consumers and regulators are now actively pushing for change . Some of the loudest voices demanding safer , more natural agricultural practices from what we put into the soil and how we protect our crops , to how resulting yields are harvested and minimising food waste have been from those of consumers themselves .
Fermentation at Biotalys ’ laboratory
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