New technologies have the potential to transform the agri-food industry by improving agricultural productivity. Recent innovations in this sector are making a useful contribution to environmental sustainability as well. This new book presents advanced methods and modern technologies in agri-food sectors to improve environmental health and food security on a global scale. It explores the principles of environmental sustainability and explains how these principles can be applied in practice in agri-food systems. It also provides an accessible framework for the effective management of resources for the reduction of chronic disease in humans and mitigating the degradation of the environment. Key features: Describes the key concepts of sustainable food production for scientists interested in the environmental impacts of agriculture Reviews sustainable options to the industrial production methods used today to adopt healthier foods and lifestyles Reports on sustainable resources for the food industry along with sustainable processes for food scientists of all levels, both in academia and industry Explores technical innovations to connect the gap between a healthy environment and sustainable agriculture using the theories and principles set out in each chapter to address real-world problems Presents case studies related to our growing demand for food from the perspectives of disciplines ranging from environmental science to public health

Agroecology not only encompasses aspects of ecology, but the ecology of sustainable food production systems, and related societal and cultural values. To provide effective communication regarding status and advances in this field, connections must be established with many disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, environmental sciences, ethics, agriculture, economics, ecology, rural development, sustainability, policy and education, or integrations of these general themes so as to provide integrated points of view that will help lead to a sustainable construction of values. Such designs are inherently complex and dynamic, and go beyond the individual farm to include landscapes, communities, and biogeographic regions by emphasizing their unique agricultural and ecological values, and their biological, societal, and cultural components and processes.

Global climate change threatens human existence through its potential impact on agriculture and the environment. Agriculture is climate-sensitive, and climate variability and climate change have net negative impact on it. Additionally, the agricultural landscape is affected by monoculture and agro-biodiversity loss, soil fertility depletion and soil loss, competition from biofuel production, crop yield plateaus and invasive species. Nevertheless, the global agricultural production system has to meet the food demands from the growing human population, which is set to exceed 10 billion by 2050. This book discusses the impacts of climate change on agriculture, animal husbandry and rural livelihoods. Further, since agriculture, forestry and other land-use sectors contribute about 10–12 gigatonnes of CO2-equivalent per year, it argues that agricultural policy must dovetail adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. This calls for a reformative and disruptive agricultural strategy like climate-smart agriculture, which can operate at all spatio-temporal scales with few modifications. The book also redefines sustainable agriculture through the lens of climate-smart agriculture in the context of the sustainability of Earth's life- support system and inter- and intra-generational equity. The climate-smart agriculture approach is gaining currency thanks to its inherent positive potential, and its goal to establish an agricultural system which includes "climate-smart food systems", "climate-proof farms", and "climate-smart soils". Climate-smart agriculture provides a pathway to achieve sustainable development goals which focus on poverty reduction, food security, and environmental health.

Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment describes the relationship of agriculture, society, nature and the environment, sustainable agriculture and sustainable development goals, management of biophysical resources for sustainable food and environment, traditional knowledge and innovative options, and social and policy aspects of sustainable agriculture. The book presents both environmental and economic principles, helping readers in the development and application of robust policy and good institutional systems that execute on sustainable agriculture practices for a healthy environment and to combat climate resilience. - Includes case studies that provide real-world insights - Relates traditional knowledge and innovation, maximizing the potential from both - Reinforces our understanding of the role of sustainable agriculture in developing environmentally sustainable and profitable food systems

New technologies have the potential to transform the agri-food industry by improving agricultural productivity. Recent innovations in this sector are making a useful contribution to environmental sustainability as well. This new book presents advanced methods and modern technologies in agri-food sectors to improve environmental health and food security on a global scale. It explores the principles of environmental sustainability and explains how these principles can be applied in practice in agri-food systems. It also provides an accessible framework for the effective management of resources for the reduction of chronic disease in humans and mitigating the degradation of the environment. Key features: Describes the key concepts of sustainable food production for scientists interested in the environmental impacts of agriculture Reviews sustainable options to the industrial production methods used today to adopt healthier foods and lifestyles Reports on sustainable resources for the food industry along with sustainable processes for food scientists of all levels, both in academia and industry Explores technical innovations to connect the gap between a healthy environment and sustainable agriculture using the theories and principles set out in each chapter to address real-world problems Presents case studies related to our growing demand for food from the perspectives of disciplines ranging from environmental science to public health

'Jules Pretty brings together the most comprehensive and carefully selected collection of writings available about sustainable agriculture. Together with an excellent overview chapter, the collected works provide the best available source for an enlightened analysis and debate about sustainability in agriculture. The four volumes will serve both as an excellent reader for students and a unique reference for all with an interest in the pursuit of sustainabiity in the food system' Professor Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Cornell University, former Chair of CGIAR Science Council and World Food Prize Laureate, 2001 'This is the single most comprehensive overview of sustainable agriculture, from ancient beginnings to the most topical modern issues. Jules Pretty has assembled a marvellous collection of the most seminal papers that are driving sustainable agriculture in all parts of the world.' Jeffrey A. McNeely, Chief Scientist, IUCN-The World Conservation Union 'Showing that, after all, humans can learn from experience, Jules Pretty has woven together the best of the old with the best of what is new and visionary. He gives us a solid, knowledge-based foundation for a badly needed new paradigm - that of an agriculture which sustains all life into the longer term. The impressive list of contributors ensures that all relevant areas have been competently assessed... A unique reference work for teachers, students and practitioners.' Hans R. Herren, World Food Prize Laureate, 1995 'An ambitious and deeply insightful series that unites the great minds not just of the agricultural, nutrition and environmental sciences, but also history, culture, economics, technology, learning and communications, policy, regulatory and institutional approaches. It will be a major reference work for all interested in the future of humanity and sustainable food and agricultural systems.' Parviz Koohafkan, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Bioenergy Division, FAO, Italy 'This work presents a body of knowledge that has come of age. It takes into account not only the science but also human behaviour, institutions and politics. It will be an invaluable support for practices that are rapidly gaining significance.' Professor Neils R�ling, formerly of Wageningen University, The Netherlands This 4-volume set, edited by the world's leading expert on agricultural sustainability, brings together and interprets the most influential, important and time-tested international scholarship across the fields of agriculture and food production with a set overview and individual volume introductions that make sense of this diverse and complex field. Volume I covers the history of agriculture from its ancient origins through successive technological and institutional revolutions to the present. Volume II examines the relationship between agriculture and the environment including agricultural contamination, greenhouse gases and climate change, environmental improvements and sustainability, integrated farming, eco-agriculture and agro-ecology, landscape restoration and environmental goods and services. Volume III provides full coverage of the modern industrialized global food system, corporate control, poverty, hunger and international successes, failures and challenges, diet and health, consumer behaviour and local alternatives to industrialization. Volume IV addresses how we think about land and our relationship to it, governance and stewardship of the rural commons, systems thinking, ecological literacy, social connections and a sustainable rural life, supportive and perverse agricultural subsidies and policies that shape food poverty and sustain agriculture into the future.