Summary
This modelling study examines whether global conversion to organic agriculture could support sustainable food systems. Whilst full organic conversion alone requires more land than conventional agriculture, the authors demonstrate that when combined with reductions in food waste, crop-competing animal feed, and animal product consumption, organic agriculture can remain within planetary boundaries. The analysis highlights nitrogen supply as a key constraint and emphasises that achieving food system sustainability requires integrated strategies addressing production, waste, and consumption patterns rather than single-sector solutions.
UK applicability
The study's findings are relevant to UK policy discussions around organic expansion and sustainable intensification, particularly regarding nitrogen management challenges and the necessity of demand-side interventions. The model's emphasis on dietary shifts and waste reduction complements UK food security strategies but may require adaptation to account for UK-specific nitrogen cycling characteristics and import dependencies.
Key measures
Land use (hectares), nitrogen surplus (kg/ha), pesticide use, greenhouse gas emissions, food wastage reduction, animal product consumption reduction
Outcomes reported
The study used a food systems model to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability implications of 100% conversion to organic agriculture, measuring land use, nitrogen surplus, pesticide use, and greenhouse gas emissions under various scenarios combining dietary and waste reduction strategies.
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