Piece written by Carolyn Hirshon | Edited by the USA Working Group
There is an intrinsic link between the environment around us and the food we eat. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global food system is responsible for about 21-37% of total greenhouse gas emissions. As the climate continues to change and our environment becomes less hospitable, growing food to feed the increasing population will become more challenging due to water scarcity, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, rising temperatures, and an increase in natural disasters that can destroy yields and force displacement, incite conflict and exacerbate poverty and hunger.
Agricultural lands currently occupy about 40-50% of the Earth’s land surface. Basically, we can’t go bigger. We already use half of the land on earth to produce food. Oftentimes, you will hear experts talking about “sustainable intensification”, or growing more with less–less land, water, fertilizer, and resources in general. The mindset of “more” is still the primary focus around this approach. The transformation we need is more complicated than simple “more”. Evidence of this fact is that we already grow enough food to feed everyone currently living on earth, but there are still an estimated 821 million people without enough food and 3 billion that cannot afford a healthy diet. One reason for this disparity is due to the fact more than one third of food produced never makes it to people because it is lost or wasted somewhere along the supply chain. Food loss and waste alone is responsible for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
So far, it seems like the food system and nature are at odds, but producing food doesn’t have to be a climate change driver–or something that causes or excelerates climate change. Regenerative agriculture can be –and must be–part of the solution to climate change. It is at this point–where prioritizing regenerative agriculture as a key to tackling climate change and social inequities–that the “The Farmers I Know” projects builds from.
The Farmers I Know explores “food sovereignty” –which is the right of people to access nutritious and culturally appropriate food that are produced in ecologically responsible and sustainable methods, and the right to define your own food and agriculture systems. This is explored through conversations with people that understand this best–regenerative agriculturalists that prioritize environmental and social justice.
The project is based on the following assumptions:
Nature and food systems are inextricably linked: Producing food sustainably has the potential to make the food system a solution, as opposed to a driver, of climate change.
Farmers modeling this kind of food system should be the voices elevated in these discussions to be our guide.
These ideas are not new: They are indigenous and have been practiced for millenia. Those with a rich cultural and generational knowledge of this kind of connection to the earth through food should be prioritized.
Humans are part of nature: Environmental and social justice cannot be separated and this project works to highlight the potential to care for the earth and people through sustainable food systems.
There are many assumptions about “farmers”: This project works to dismantle harmful assumptions about farming, to encourage a diverse generation of farmers and stewards of the earth to find their place in this transition to a food sovereign system that works for people and the planet.
Owner of Brown Girl Farms in California, showing The Farmers I Know host around the property.
The Farmers I Know and Youth4Nature Collaboration
The values of Youth4Nature are very much aligned with the mission of The Farmers I Know project and the partnership offers opportunities to advance the goals and core values of Youth4Nature and The Farmers I Know:
This project is rooted in a tangible solution to the climate crisis. Sustainable agriculture–and food sovereignty as a whole–led by local and indigenous knowledge holders that are stewards of the earth, is a tried and true approach to address issues of environmental and social justice.
This project creates intentional space for young farmers, and is targeted towards the next generation of farmers and earthworkers.
This project focuses specifically on decolonizing the food system by speaking directly about the links between race, land rights, food access, history, culture, and justice for the land and people.
This project is based in knowledge sharing and storytelling. Guests define key terms, unpack historical contexts, summarize their research, and explain complex policies in ways everyone can understand. At the same time, they are sharing their own personal history, trials and tribulations, successes, hopes and dreams to bring the audience closer to understanding all that goes into farming using methods that create community and cultivate the earth in a reciprocal way.
Much like Youth4Nature as an organization, The Farmers I Know also prides itself on its autonomy in its viewpoints.
The project recognizes and addresses the importance of policy making and governance. It holds the belief that sustainable farmers and indigenous people should be at the forefront of decision making around food, agriculture, and land use.
This project addresses an entire system shift that tackles the most severe climate and social crises of our time.
The Farmers I Know host interviewing the co-creator of Seed Broadcast at the Folk Life Festival in Washington D.C.
Conclusion:
Achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, designed to end poverty and hunger as well as accelerate climate action and protect biodiversity, will be impossible without addressing the issues within our global food system. Regenerative food systems offer solutions for these tough social and environmental issues. Fortunately, those with a strong existing and generational relationship with the land can lead the way–all we have to do is listen.
You can listen to The Farmers I Know podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram!
And you can donate to the project here.