Paper Highlights Economic and Environmental Benefits of Agricultural Diversity

A paper published by The Open University notes that more than 75% of the food consumed in the world today comes from just 12 plant and five animal species and explains that a more diverse food system would provide public and environmental health benefits, as well as economic benefits. Study authors writing in The Conversation say that diversity-based cropping is more resilient and equitable, and that it promotes planetary health, as well. They recommend diversifying not only food species, but also cropping systems and the farming landscape. In fact, they suggest that diversity should be a key principle for the organization of the entire food sytem.