Plant Diversity: Making a impact on our planet through our plates
Welcome back to another edition of our Food for Thought series, where we explore thought-provoking topics in the plant-centric food system revolution.
Today, we're diving deep into the importance of plant diversity and how it plays a crucial role in shaping resilient, regenerative food systems.
The Challenge:
Industrial meat production and monoculture farming practices have taken a toll on our environment, animal welfare, and health. Did you know that nearly 60% of all greenhouse gasses generated by the food sector come from meat and animal feed production? It's time for a change.
The Solution:
Embracing a diverse, plant-rich diet is a powerful way to combat the climate crisis and build resilient food systems. However, despite the 31,000 plant species that humans can consume, only nine crops make up two-thirds of all crop production (wheat, corn, rice, soybean, potatoes, palm oil fruit, sugarcane, sugar beet, and cassava). This narrow focus has led to a loss of nutrition, soil health, and community resilience.
🌎 Action Items for Individuals
Understand the Root Cause:
Explore how industrial agriculture and the Green Revolution have accelerated the loss of food diversity.
Recognize the role of processed foods in driving demand for a limited range of crops.
Restore Food Diversity:
Learn the benefits of agrobiodiversity for individuals, farmers, communities, and cultures.
Discover the importance of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in fighting hunger and poverty.
Eat Diverse Foods:
Deliberately choose a variety of foods, including heirloom and perennial vegetables.
Reduce Meat Consumption:
Support the EAT-Lancet Commission's call for a shift towards plant-based diets.
Grow Your Garden:
Get hands-on with preserving agrobiodiversity by planting heirloom crops.
Donate or Join Organizations:
Support organizations like Crop Trust, Bioversity International, and Native Seed Network that work to protect agricultural diversity.
📚 Learn More
Watch: Explore documentaries like "Gather" and "Seeds of Freedom" to deepen your understanding.
Read: Delve into books that cover topics from Indigenous food sovereignty to regenerative agriculture, such as Eating the Landscape: American Indian Stories of Food, Identity, and Resilience by Enrique Salmon and The Nature of Crops: How We Came to Eat the Plants We Do by John Warren
Listen: Tune in to Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’s episode on the School of Greatness (skip to minute 13 for the importance of plant diversity in your diet) and listen to other shows like "Toasted Sister" and "The Native Seed Pod" for insightful discussions.
Remember, every food choice we make can contribute to a more diverse and sustainable future. Let's sow the seeds of change together!
