Biodiversity Policy in Farming: A Crucial Agenda

The fields of green spread out before me as I walk. They showcase a vast variety of life thriving around us. Sadly, many species are disappearing. This loss is happening much faster than it should, mainly because of what we, humans, are doing.

This loss of life is critical because it affects the food we eat, the health of our soil, and how we use water. Our world is interconnected in ways we sometimes forget.

In April 2002, a special meeting took place. Leaders gathered and vowed to slow down this loss of life by 2010. Nearly 20 years later, we still face the same issue. Now, 190 countries work together for nature, with a focus on protecting our land and ecosystems.

Each May 22, we mark the International Day for Biological Diversity. It’s a day to remember why it’s crucial to save the variety of life on Earth. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) plays a big role. It helps countries use farming methods that protect nature and produce food in smart ways.

A third of the world’s land is used for farming. This shows how crucial it is to farm in a way that doesn’t harm the planet. Including more types of crops in farming can make our food supplies more secure. This is important, especially with the changing climate.

Looking forward, the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-5) shows a promising future. Moving towards sustainable farming has huge benefits, which could add up to $5.7 trillion by 2030. This pathway is not just good for nature; it’s also a smart economic move.

As we prepare for the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, saving nature and farming smartly are key. This effort supports global goals for a better, more sustainable world. These goals can only be reached by focusing on biodiversity and farming methods that do not harm the environment.

• Human activities have amplified the rate of species extinction up to 1,000 times the historical norm.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity unites 190 parties in efforts to reduce biodiversity loss.
• Biodiversity underpins essential services such as food production, soil fertility, and water conservation.
• A third of global land being used for agriculture signals the need for sustainable agricultural policies.
• Economic benefits from biodiversity policies in farming could reach $5.7 trillion by 2030.
• The UN Food Systems Summit 2021 will address the significance of biodiversity in sustainable food systems.

Creating strong biodiversity policies in farming is not a choice; it is something we must do. It ties together the health of our planet, the way we make food, and our future financial success. This mix is fundamental for our stability and wellbeing.

Biodiversity is like the heart of strong food networks, offering life-critical ecosystem services. It brings us natural ways to keep pests at bay and ensures our soil stays rich. Without it, our food sources would be much more prone to problems from nature.

Many types of animals and plants in farms and fields do vital jobs. Bees and butterflies help our crops grow by pollinating them. Widespread farming, though, has caused a big drop in these helpful creatures. Such changes mean we lose out on essential services for our food.

Important for good lands and big harvests is the efficient reuse of nutrients. Various animals and plants break down dead things, enriching the soil. This cycle cuts down on the need for artificial fertilisers. Also, a naturally diverse setting keeps pests under control without chemicals.

Different plants and animals in farming are key to food security and adapting to change. Mixing up what we grow and raise makes our food sources more tough. Yet, we are losing this diversity due to farming practices.

Putting a premium on biodiversity in farming creates flourished and lasting food systems. It means less chemical use and being in tune with nature. The lesson is clear: biodiversity is critical for successful and safe agriculture.

Sustainable farming is growing in popularity. Practices like leaving soil undisturbed, and growing cover crops, help. They keep the soil healthy, promote wildlife, and increase farm yields.

Rye and radishes as cover crops improve soil health and stop soil from washing away. These crops add nutrients to the soil and provide homes for animals. Governments help by giving money to those who use these smart farming ways. This shows how important these methods are.

Conservation tillage means disturbing the soil as little as possible, which reduces erosion. It also cuts down on harmful carbon escaping into the air. This practice helps farmers have better farms that are kinder to the environment.

In Guatemala, a study looked at farms using these methods. They found that the farms taking care of the land well had more plants and bugs. These special farms had more than double the number of insects and plant types compared to regular farms. This research proves that working with nature leads to more life on the farm.

Guatemala is working hard to make farming better for nature and people. Raquel Sigüenza from the IUCN said this work is very important. With these efforts, farming can be good for the Earth, full of life, and still be productive.

Keeping farms green is key for long-term farming success. It means using less man-made stuff and making space for wildlife. This helps keep the land healthy.

About one-third of all land is for growing food or feeding animals. Around 10-20% is for letting animals graze. It’s important to use fewer chemical things to keep nature in balance. This protects soil and water from getting dirty and cuts down on farming’s big carbon footprint.

Less chemicals, like fertilisers and pesticides, are better for the planet. People have made too much nitrogen from 1890 to 1990. Now, using more natural farming methods can help heal the Earth. This is why many out there are trying to cut the bad effects of these chemicals by half.

Making homes for wildlife is a must. Farming can sometimes harm local plants and creatures by bringing in harmful outsiders. Creating spaces for local wildlife is a big help. Aim to have diverse areas on about 10% of all farms. This brings nature back together and supports our locals.

California lost 91% of its wetlands, showing how urgent this is. Adding wildlife-friendly areas to farms can really make a difference. It’s a win for farms and nature, creating a better, balanced world.

Agriculture relies on important ecosystem services like pollination, water conservation, and soil management. These help farms be productive over the years and keep the land healthy. Such services are key for farm success and the overall health of the environment.

Pollination supports crop growth. Bees and other pollinators play a big part in this. Their work is vital for many plants to produce fruit. Practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) help save pollinators. These efforts are crucial for food supplies and a rich variety of plants.

Keeping water and soil healthy is vital for farming. There are methods like crop rotations and cover crops that can help. They make soil better for plants and save water. This is very important for farming in dry areas. Such techniques are essential, especially when climate changes affect growing conditions. They could save up to 40% in crop losses in poor countries.

Services like pollination and soil health are key for farms to last and do well. By using smart practices, farmers can build farms that keep going strong. This keeps the environment healthy while supplying food for people and animals.

Agroecology farming uses a wide-ranging method to manage the land. It highly values both nature and biodiversity. By blending natural ways with farming actions, it helps create sustainable systems. These systems are good for the planet, make economic sense, and are positive for people. This approach means we can grow food without harming the environment. It also keeps the ecosystem strong and diverse.

Around the world, traditional farming methods have tried to care for the diversity of life in the pursuit of food. But, modern farming’s push for more output has harmed nature. Studies in places like Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa show how important a variety of life is. This includes all types of life, from tiny genetic changes to the bigger ecosystem around us.

Scientists group living things into species. They do this based on characteristics, behaviours, and where they come from. Our planet is a huge home to many species. They live in places like forests, grasslands, deserts, and waters. This great mix of life is vital for keeping the planet’s ecosystem smooth and healthy.

Ecology’s ideas are part of agroecology to help keep the balance. It aims to use what we need from nature without hurting it. The current way we farm often takes too much from the Earth. Agroecology offers a better path. The FAO’s guiding framework for Agroecology prompts countries to make big changes for the better. It pushes for policies that look after our future and the planet’s well-being.

Agroecology promotes farming that’s rich in variety and health benefits. It helps rural areas by creating more jobs and makes them stronger against climate problems. This type of farming is a win for managing the land well. It also keeps the vital roles nature plays in our lives. Plus, it’s a source of new, focused jobs for young people. And, it’s about being fair, making sure everyone, especially women and those often left out, gets equal chances.

Choosing agroecology farming is a big move towards a future where farming is in harmony with nature. It aligns what we need with what our planet needs. This way of farming keeps the balance for lasting food production and nature protection.

Keeping wildlife habitats safe is key to saving different plant and animal types. Both those we grow and those in the wild help our environments stay strong. Nearly 1 in 8 species is in danger of disappearing. So, we must act fast to protect where they live.

The mix of things we grow and those in the wild is vital for their survival. Farmlands and natural areas can work together. This helps over 550 species in the U.S., such as important pollinators. They’re needed for farms and the wild to keep growing.

Farmers are at the heart of keeping farmlands healthy for both work and nature. They do a balancing act every day to grow food and keep the land well. 42 percent of U.S. farmlands are hard to farm, but with good care, they can also be homes for nature. With care, farmers have helped more birds and fish thrive.

When farmers see how they can help nature, soil, and water, everyone wins. Their work not only protects animal homes but helps farms stay productive for a long time.

Government rules are key to helping our land stay healthy and diverse. They use agricultural policies to do this, like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The CRP pays farmers who take sensitive land out of farming. This is a big part of keeping our land safe and protecting wildlife through farming.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) gives money and help to farmers hit by natural disasters, especially severe droughts. This scheme shows how important it is to have laws that protect our land from dangers. It helps keep farming going when the weather is tough.

The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) pays farmers to restore wetlands and grow more plants. This helps bring back a lot of needed wetlands. It shows that by making proper laws, we can make our land diverse and productive sustainably.

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is praised for saving land that’s good for animals to graze. It stops these important lands from turning into cities or farms. This keeps nature safe and helps farmers raise animals in a better way.

The Source Water Protection Program (SWPP) is about keeping water clean for people to drink in the countryside. It aims at places where the most help is needed. By improving water quality, it helps many countryside folks and keeps our water safe for the future.

The National Organic Program (NOP) makes sure organic farms follow rules to protect nature. Organic farming helps keep farmers and the environment healthy. It’s vital for keeping our farms varied and good for plants and animals. Organic farmers create homes for helpful creatures, which makes their farms richer in life.

Monitoring biodiversity in farming is crucial for checking its impact on nature. About a third of the world’s land is used for farming. This affects biodiversity on a global scale. Keeping an eye on the variety of life on farms helps us see how well they are managed.

Looking at agriculture’s effect on nature means considering different types of life and land use. For instance, a small portion of land is for animals to graze on and even less for growing food in natural forests. It’s important to find the right balance between farming and the environment. An analysis of how we use land shows that most of it has been changed by farming. This underlines why we must watch over biodiversity carefully.

Over a billion people live in areas known for their rich variety of life. These places are critical for farming’s future. Monitoring biodiversity is a must-do task for societies and for the environment. The problem of pollution from farm chemicals is serious. Look at what happened in the Gulf of Mexico. The ‘dead zone’ there should make us all want better biodiversity checks.

Thinking about what and how much we eat is also key. The demand for meat and its products is growing fast. This could lead to using more land and harming natural areas. With more people to feed, we must think of the earth’s health. If we don’t change how we farm, it will harm 1 billion more hectares of wild spaces. This is why keeping track of biodiversity is very important.

The European Union has set a high goal for organic farming by 2030. It shows they believe in doing farming in ways that protect nature. This idea is also seen in the changes to the Common Agricultural Policy. Work on projects like BioMonitor4CAP and LIFT is giving us better information. They focus on nature’s variety, money matters, and community wellbeing from farming in Europe.

In my work with sustainable farming, I’ve seen the huge importance of managing soil health. It’s key for keeping soil fertile and supporting a range of life. Practices to look after soil involve making its structure better, keeping it full of nutrients, and maintaining its living organisms.

It’s best to avoid disturbing the soil too much, like through tillage. This can harm the good microbes that live there. Instead, we should use sustainable soil practices to protect these important little beings. Overgrazing is another issue to avoid, as it can harm the soil in various ways.

Different kinds of crops and cover crops can really improve the soil. They help nutrients move around and save money on farming. Also, always having roots in the ground helps keep the soil life active, which is great for farming.

Across the world, organic farming shows us how organic matter is key for soil health. It is often combined with having many kinds of plants around. This makes the soil richer and supports a lot of tiny life in the ground.

It’s vital to keep nutrients like phosphorus at the right level. This prevents plants from struggling and helps the soil work well. A good balance of nutrients supports the whole soil ecosystem.

Having the soil covered is very beneficial. It keeps in moisture, stops weeds, and makes a home for small creatures. These steps are crucial for good soil and a rich environment.

Knowing how management affects the soil’s health is very important. This can help farms do well economically while also looking after the land.

New farming methods are changing how we farm, making our practices more nature-friendly. These methods are not just good for the environment. They also make more money for farmers. The big amount of money they make comes from being more efficient and producing more.

Using nature well in farming helps make more money. For example, vertical farms grow up, not out, saving water and needing fewer chemicals. This is better for the planet and the pocket. In places like Vancouver, farms work with local communities to grow fresh food all year. This helps the local economy.

There is also a push for new products in farming. Companies like Freight Farms in Boston are leading this effort, growing many crops and testing new ones. They help keep our food supply safe and steady.

Smart farming that uses nature wisely can fight the climate crisis. It makes farms stronger against extreme weather. The use of advanced tech like robots and unique plant genomics is helping. This is what experts call the fourth agricultural revolution.

Farmers need to know what people want to eat in their area. This makes our food system stronger against the changing climate.

So, these new ways of farming make a lot of money and help the planet. They also make our food system stronger against climate change.

Crop rotation goes far beyond just boosting yields. It’s key to having varied crops and healthier soils. This is done by planting things like alfalfa, pasture, or small grains in turns. Each crop type grows at different times and has unique roots. These differences help soils stay healthy.

Rotating crops also means using farming practices that are better for the Earth. For example, using manure and not disturbing the soil too much. These methods make the ground stronger. They also help farming bounce back from challenges. This is shown by Jones et al. (2023). They found crop mixtures weren’t always great for yield. But these mixes did help the land and the farm be tougher.

“There is no direct causal relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning,” Schoolmaster Jr. et al. (2022) said. They showed how complex nature is. But, we know that the tiny life in the soil makes the Earth itself healthier (Maier, 2012).

Köninger and Labouyrie (2023) found something surprising. Farmlands actually have more kinds of life in the soil than wild places do. This new info stresses how important crop swaps are for keeping soil alive. But, in some places, too many wild plants could harm farm output. So, having a plan for what to plant when is still really smart and works well.

Crop rotation isn’t just a nice idea. It has been proven over and over. Farmers who use this method are helping nature and their farms. They are making the land richer and keeping the farm going strong.

Making big changes in how we farm is key to a sustainable future. We must work to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture. This involves cutting down emissions and getting ready for a changing climate.

About a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from farming, forestry, and land use. We need to change farming to cut these emissions. This means finding ways to farm that don’t harm the land and air. For example, using less land and water and making less greenhouse gas are big steps in the right direction.

Adding renewable energy to farms helps too. The Green New Deal in the U.S. is pushing for greener farming that also supports families. It wants farms to not add any more greenhouse gases to the environment, which is a big aim.

Facing the need to grow 60% more food by 2050 and fight climate change, we must make farming stronger. This involves using farming methods that help take in carbon and stop pollution. For example, farming that combines crops and animals can make land more resilient.

New tech, like the work of RisingFoodStars, is also helping. It makes farms better at dealing with changing weather and other challenges. But, we really need to change the way we support farming. We should move away from just growing certain crops and towards helping all kinds of farming be successful.

In the end, everyone needs to work together for farming to be better for the planet and for us. We must cut down on emissions and prepare for climate changes. This way, agriculture can keep up with the needs of our growing world.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a huge step in global environmental work. It has set four big goals with 23 targets to save our planet’s diversity. By 2030, it wants to stop biodiversity from shrinking and start making it grow again. The framework is focused on saving and wisely using at least 30% of the world’s lands and waters. It also wants to repair another 30% of damaged natural areas.

One big focus is improving how we farm in Target 10. The goal is to use farm practices that help biodiversity. The framework also aims to reduce harmful nutrients by half and lower the danger of poisons and bad chemicals in farming. It’s looking into ways to better control pests without such harmful chemicals.

The plan also cares about how we as people use our resources. It’s aiming for a 50% drop in wasted food worldwide. It also wants to reduce how much we overuse, and cut down on trash. The plan requires keeping an eye on GMOs to make sure they won’t hurt the planet.

From 2000 to 2019, the expansion of farm areas, especially in Protected Areas (PAs), has fast increased. Places with softer rules saw more growth, compared to those stricter on land use. But, this growth means we need better ways to protect these areas.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework connects farming with saving our natural world. This is key, as agriculture leads to a lot of the cutting down of forests. It also endangers almost 28,000 unique species. Making these global conservation steps work is vital for protecting our natural life and food supply.

Looking at successful case studies worldwide teaches us how to put biodiversity policies into action on farms. They show the real benefits of supporting biodiversity in farming. They also show how such efforts can really change things for the better.

Around the globe, 76 studies from COP5 relate to farming’s biodiversity policies. One Canadian study looked at pollinators’ biodiversity, underlining their key role in improving crop harvests. In Kenya, a project showed how farming and saving wildlife can work together well. It proves that eco-friendly farming methods can be good for nature. In Tanzania, they made the first biogas plant from sisal waste, starting a trend for green energy in farms. These stories prove that by linking biodiversity with farming, we help make global agriculture more sustainable.

Project O.S.C.A.R stands out as a top example of green farming. It encourages people to use cover crops more, because it helps the soil and the wildlife. This project shows how working together in farming can do a lot for the planet. Its success shows that smart farming is very doable and can inspire others worldwide.

A complex biodiversity strategy is key for farming’s future. The EU is spending €387 billion between 2021-27. This money aims to merge environmental principles with farming practices.

Countries can shift up to 25% of their funds within the CAP. This shift supports environmental care, climate work, and helping young farmers. An extra €8 billion from Next Generation EU is going towards the European Green Deal and digital steps. This shows the need for flexible policies.

The Commission suggests using €10 billion from Horizon Europe for food, farm, and bioeconomy research. Investing in AKIS helps spread new ideas efficiently, aiding both policy makers and farmers.

The CAP’s update involves new rules effective since January 1, 2023. These rules aim to unify productivity with biodiversity strategy goals. They ensure food is both plentiful and eco-friendly.

New policies should keep pushing for greener farming, teamwork, and focus on nature in food-making. These moves can lead to a better blend of farming success and protecting biodiversity. They aim for a lasting future for farming.

It’s crucial to add strong biodiversity policies to farming. This helps keep our food systems sustainable and able to withstand change. Right now, a big part of the Earth is used for farming. Almost a third of its lands are for agriculture and farming. We need to work together on policies that support the environment.

Most lands where people can live are affected by farming or other uses. There are over 1.1 billion people living in areas with lots of plant and animal life. It’s key to protect these areas, as they are important but also at risk. The way we produce food affects the planet a lot. It is linked to a third of the gases that harm the environment. So, we need to change the way we farm to be kind to our planet.

We are expecting more than 8 billion people by 2030. To feed everyone, we must farm in smart and green ways. Unfortunately, more than 45% of protected areas are being farmed. This can hurt wildlife and nature. We can solve these issues by having clear biodiversity policies. These rules will make our food systems healthier and help meet global goals for farming fairly and with more life diversity.