Feed: a food systems podcast Is this the future of food? (with Michael Grunwald)
Apr 10, 2025
Michael Grunwald, an accomplished journalist and author of the upcoming book We Are Eating the Earth, tackles the urgent question of whether we can feed nearly 10 billion people without devastating the planet. He argues that while high-yield industrial agriculture has its flaws, it may be key to maximizing food production on limited land. Grunwald also explores the complex power dynamics of the food industry, the often-overlooked impact of meat consumption, and the need for sustainable farming solutions in addressing climate change.
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Agriculture's Land Footprint Matters
- Agriculture uses about 40% of the world's land, a major factor in climate change.
- Preventing further land expansion is crucial to protect carbon-storing forests and wetlands.
Urgency Demands Realistic Food Solutions
- Food system solutions need long-term research and funding, not quick fixes.
- Immediate emissions cuts come more from energy changes than agricultural shifts.
Brazilian Farmer's Hybrid Approach
- A Brazilian farmer mixed industrial and regenerative practices for extraordinary yields.
- He focused on high production, not environmental ideology, combining corn, soy, and cattle efficiently.
