Food Systems

Mass Food Production

The need to produce more food to sustain a projected 9.6 billion people in the future.

Monoculture

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a wide area, often leading to high dependencies on fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs.

The Green Revolution

A period of agricultural transformation that shifted from small family farms to large industrial agribusiness, with increased use of mechanization, GMOs, and chemicals.

Polyculture

Agricultural practice that involves planting multiple crops in the same space, often more sustainable than monoculture.

CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)

Factory farms characterized by high-density livestock operations.

Genetic Engineering

The modification of food products through genetic manipulation, leading to a high prevalence of GMOs in the food supply.

Malnutrition

A condition resulting from an insufficient intake of nutrients, divided into undernutrition and overnutrition.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive algal blooms and depletion of oxygen.

Food Deserts

Areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that aim to meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Organic Farming

Agricultural practices that rely on natural processes and inputs, emphasizing soil health and biodiversity.

Food Waste

The discard or loss of food that occurs throughout the supply chain, contributing to resource depletion.

Hidden Hunger

A form of malnutrition where individuals consume enough calories but lack essential micronutrients.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled environments for food production.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of pollutants in the food web as they move up the food chain.

Overfishing

Depleting fish populations beyond their ability to reproduce, leading to environmental and economic consequences.