Summary
This narrative review examines the case for mainstreaming ecosystem services into future agricultural systems. The authors argue that whilst conventional agriculture has increased food production, predominant post-1950s practices have driven unsustainable resource use, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation with significant human health costs. The paper suggests that sustainable farming systems offer pathways to integrate ecosystem service provision with food security and human wellbeing.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK agricultural policy and practice, particularly regarding the shift towards Environmental Land Management schemes and agri-environment support mechanisms that value ecosystem services. The paper's emphasis on integrating biodiversity and environmental outcomes into farming economics aligns with recent UK policy trajectories, though specific UK case studies would strengthen applicability.
Key measures
Ecosystem service provision; biodiversity conservation; environmental and health externalities of conventional versus sustainable farming systems
Outcomes reported
The paper discusses how ecosystem services provided by diverse farming systems can be valued and integrated into mainstream agricultural practice and policy. It examines the relationship between sustainable farming approaches and biodiversity conservation, and the associated environmental and health costs of intensive agriculture.
Topic tags
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