Show Me the Money: The Economic Reality Behind Sustainable Food and Agricultural Decisions

Food is at the center of our existence and our conflicts. With the projected population growth globally of nearly 10 billion by 2025, the race is on to find sustainable solutions to feed more with less--more nutritious food with less land, water and human manpower. For some, this means viewing sustainable food systems from an environmental or social welfare perspective without evaluating the economic viability throughout the food value chain.

If we as a society are committed to the "Zero Hunger" goal of the UN Sustainable Goals, we will need to balance our decisions through an economic lens to find solutions on ending hunger and improving food security while making food choices and production costs viable for achieving a resilient and sustainable food system globally.

CPE Level: Level 2
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 4.2.6 Analyzes and synthesizes information and identifies new information, patterns and findings.
• 8.2.2 Applies knowledge of health determinants when planning, developing and implementing services, programs, meal plans and menus.
• 7.2.3 Communicates the role of sustainable food practices and food insecurities for populations.

Learning Objectives

• Utilize critical thinking skills to assess how decisions made throughout the food value chain impact the economic viability of farmers, rural communities, and ultimately, the food supply.
• Identify how the global economy is intertwined with local decision-making on sustainable agriculture practices.
• Describe the potential economic implications of consumer food choices and food security in creating a sustainable, resilient food system.

Speakers

• Jayson Lusk
• Danita Rodibaugh
• Charlotte Rommereim