Summary
This systems modelling study evaluates the feasibility of organic agriculture within sustainable food systems using a food systems model that captures agronomic characteristics of organic farming. The authors demonstrate that whilst converting entirely to organic agriculture increases land demand compared to conventional systems, this can be offset by concurrent reductions in food waste, crop-competing livestock feed production, and animal product consumption. The findings highlight that no single intervention is sufficient; rather, partial implementation of multiple strategies—including but not limited to organic production—is necessary for achieving more sustainable food futures, though nitrogen supply remains a critical constraint.
UK applicability
The findings are applicable to UK policy and farming systems planning, particularly regarding organic transition scenarios and the interplay between production practices, waste reduction, and dietary patterns. However, the model's geographic specificity and whether it accounts for UK-specific agronomic conditions, soil types, and current nitrogen dynamics would require examination of the full paper.
Key measures
Land use area, nitrogen surplus, pesticide use, greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen supply adequacy
Outcomes reported
The study modelled land use, nitrogen surplus, pesticide use, and greenhouse gas emissions under scenarios of full organic conversion combined with reductions in food waste and animal product consumption. Results showed that while 100% organic conversion alone requires more land than conventional agriculture, combined with dietary shifts and waste reduction, land use can remain below baseline scenarios.
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