Cultivating a Sustainable Future: Unlocking the Power of Soil, Food Waste, and Policy

During a Summit hosted by Food Tank and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) during Climate Week NYC, panelists delved into the intricate connections between ecosystem health, food waste, and the policy levers that can shape a more sustainable future. At the heart of this discussion lies the critical role of soil, a living, breathing foundation upon which our very existence depends.

Unlocking the Potential of Soil: The Key to a Thriving Future

Soil: The Unsung Hero of Ecosystem Health

Panelists emphasized that the future of our climate lies in the very soil beneath our feet. By strengthening soil quality, we can unlock lasting impacts that will reverberate for generations to come. As Gerardo Martinez, a farmer, the Owner of Wild Kid Acres, and CEO of Global Alliance of Latinos in Agriculture, eloquently stated, "There is no life limit on a healthy soil. You can continue to build it and build it, and it will just become more and more productive."The connection between soil health and human well-being is undeniable. As Dr. Daniel Rath, Agricultural Soil Carbon Scientist at NRDC, pointed out, "We talk about soil health like it's something separate from our own health, but our health is dependent on the health of the soil." By recognizing this interdependence, we can unlock the power of regenerative ecosystems and low-waste supply loops, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Harnessing the Power of Farmers: A Collaborative Approach to Soil Stewardship

Panelists emphasized that the ability of farmers to learn from one another is one of the most meaningful ways to drive the transition towards more sustainable practices. As Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture, explained, "When we improve our irrigation practices, we automatically reduce runoff and emissions while still maintaining productivity." This collaborative approach not only benefits the environment but also empowers farmers to be active participants in the solution.

Breaking Down Silos: The Necessity of Cross-Sector Collaboration

While policy regulations and public funding can play a significant role in reining in destructive food industry methods and facilitating the adoption of better practices, panelists stressed that a single solution is not a silver bullet. As Catherine Oakar, Special Assistant to the President for Public Health and Disparities at the White House, pointed out, "Even though we have so many levers, the federal government doesn't have every lever. Without academia, research, the private sector, we can't do anything."This cross-sector approach is crucial in addressing the complex challenges of soil health, food waste, and climate change. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, we can leverage the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Telling the Story of Progress: Inspiring a Better Future

When the climate movement takes a step forward, leaders can use this cross-sector approach to tell the story of the achievement and build upon it in meaningful ways. As Manish Bapna, President of NRDC, emphasized, "When we're reflecting, we should ask ourselves, 'Were we ready to win the win?' How do we reinspire the world that a better future is possible? How can we use food to reach the public and reimagine a food system that is truly compatible with human health, protecting nature, and tackling climate?"By embracing this holistic perspective and sharing the stories of progress, we can inspire and empower others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future.

Valuing Food, Valuing the Future

Panelists highlighted that the problem of food waste is rooted in a cultural under-valuing of food, particularly in the United States. As Sam Kass, a chef who served as President Barack Obama's Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition Policy, pointed out, "The fundamental problem for us in the U.S. is we're rich, and because of our wealth, we don't value food in the way that someone who is more resource-constrained does."This cultural shift in how we perceive and value food is crucial in addressing the issue of food waste. When food grown in even the most nourished soils is not consumed or is wasted, it's more than just edible food that's lost – it's a waste of the resources, people, animals, and soils that went into producing that food.Emily Broad Leib, Clinical Professor of Law and Founding Director of the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic, has analyzed food waste across the world and documented various ways the U.S. in particular falls behind, especially on issues like food expiration date labeling. Addressing these systemic challenges and fostering a deeper appreciation for the value of food is essential in creating a more sustainable food system.