By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Distinguished Professor Thomas Reardon, a renowned expert in agricultural economics, has coauthored a policy forum article in Science emphasizing how agrifood value chains (AVCs) can help farmers implement climate-smart practices.
Collaborating with Jo Swinnen of the International Food Policy Research Institute and Loraine Ronchi from the World Bank Group, Reardon explores ways to transform agriculture into a climate solution.
AVCs, described as systems that move food “from farm to fork,” encompass agriculture upstream to post-farmgate segments like food distributors and processors. Historically overlooked in climate discussions, these systems gained prominence at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), where leaders acknowledged the significant role of agrifood systems in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
The COP28 declaration, signed by 160 global leaders, stressed the need for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. However, Reardon pointed out widespread skepticism about small- and medium-sized farms’ ability to adopt climate-smart practices, even with supportive policies and international declarations.
The article argues that AVCs can bridge this gap by providing incentives and resources to empower smaller farms. By leveraging AVCs, the agricultural sector can become a critical player in climate change mitigation, fostering both sustainability and resilience.
Reardon’s research, supported by MSU AgBioResearch, highlights the urgent need to include agriculture in climate action plans, emphasizing that value chains can drive meaningful change. This approach aligns with global efforts to ensure food security and sustainable farming amidst growing climate challenges.
This study calls for a shift in focus, harnessing the potential of AVCs to transform agriculture from a climate challenge into a key part of the solution.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education