So long, red and white barns – farms are declining, study finds
So long, red and white barns – farms are declining, study finds Wyoming Public Media
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Study Shows Decrease in Number of Farms Worldwide
Harvest time is on the horizon for many farmers. But a recent study published in the journal Nature Sustainability shows that there are fewer and fewer farms – which could have great implications for produce prices and access.
Global Farming Trends
- There were 616 million farms worldwide as of 2020.
- According to the study data, by the end of the 21st century, there will likely be less than half the current number of farms worldwide.
- The study predicts the number of farms to drop to 272 million.
Zia Mehrabi, the author of the study and an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, explains that there has been a transition from farm creation to farm consolidation, especially in Western Europe and Northern America. Economic development in these regions has pushed people toward urban areas, creating a rural labor deficit. This pressure has led many farmers to mechanize and consolidate their lands, which poses challenges for small farms.
Implications for Food Prices and Availability
- Consolidation and mechanization may lead to a drop in food prices as farms become more streamlined and efficient.
- However, this consolidation is not immune to the shocks of climate change and diminishing crop variety.
- Climate change and biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes pose significant risks to crop prices and availability on the global market.
Mehrabi emphasizes the importance of diversifying food systems as a promising strategy in the face of a changing climate. He also highlights the mental health challenges that farmers may face as they continue to feed the growing global population.
Proactive Measures for Agricultural Transition
Mehrabi recommends improving farmers’ access to services and support, empowering them to defend their needs to agribusiness, retailers, and the government. He believes that planting a variety of crops is the most fundamental solution to make production systems less susceptible to shocks.
Individual Responsibility and Sustainable Agriculture
Mehrabi hopes that people will recognize their role in agriculture and understand the impact of their food choices on people and the environment. He emphasizes the importance of knowing where our food comes from and supporting sustainable farming practices.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado, and KANW in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Copyright 2023 KUNC. To see more, visit KUNC.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
-
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
- Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
- Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment. | Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses. | Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area. |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The relevant SDGs include:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article discusses the implications of farm consolidation and mechanization on food prices and access. Target 2.3 under SDG 2 aims to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The article mentions that smaller farms are being squeezed out due to lack of access to services, which aligns with the target. The indicator 2.3.1, which measures the volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size, is also relevant.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article emphasizes the need to reduce food waste and losses along production and supply chains. Target 12.3 under SDG 12 specifically aims to halve per capita global food waste. The indicator 12.3.1, which measures the food loss index, is mentioned in the article as a way to measure progress towards this target.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The article highlights the vulnerability of consolidated farms to climate change shocks and the loss of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Target 13.1 under SDG 13 focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The indicator 13.1.2, which measures the establishment or operationalization of integrated policies/strategies/plans for climate resilience without threatening food production, is relevant to the issues discussed in the article.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article mentions the importance of diversifying food systems to make them less susceptible to shocks. Target 15.1 under SDG 15 aims to ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests. The indicator 15.1.1, which measures forest area as a proportion of total land area, is relevant to the need for biodiversity conservation mentioned in the article.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wyomingpublicmedia.org
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