08 Jan 26 | Podcast
Have we been treating nature like a free factory?
Earthworm Foundation CEO Bastien Sachet reflects with Ian Welsh on why environmental and supply c...
As agriculture grapples with climate goals, rising inequalities and accelerating innovation, a systems-based approach is essential to ensure a just transition – as guests on the Innovation Forum podcast have argued
As the agriculture sector faces increasing pressure to decarbonise and adapt, the conversation is shifting towards systems-level change. Stakeholders are exploring how soil health, technology, nature-based solutions and equity concerns intersect in the push for sustainable food systems. Yet, while momentum is growing, many of the same systemic challenges persist – particularly for those working on-the-ground.
Building carbon into the soil
Efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture are increasingly turning to the soil. Regenerative practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage and diversified planting are being framed not only as conservation tools, but as central to delivering net carbon-negative outcomes.
In a recent podcast, Marty Matlock, a professor at the University of Arkansas and former sustainability coordinator at the US Department of Agriculture, outlines how this vision could play out in practice. He argues that if implemented at scale, regenerative techniques could enable US agriculture to become a net carbon sink within the decade, while also improving biodiversity and water management. Listen to the podcast here.
Alongside this, the role of the fertiliser industry in improving soil health is gaining renewed attention. Marina Ettl and Simon Pogson from business Yara International detail how its products and services are evolving to enhance soil conditions while reducing emissions. From biological inputs to soil diagnostics, companies are working to position soil as a critical carbon asset. Click here to listen to the podcast.
Technology’s expanding role
Technology is increasingly central to the conversation around sustainable agriculture. From satellite monitoring to AI-driven analytics, the sector is looking to digital tools to accelerate decarbonisation and improve supply chain transparency.
In a recent webinar, carbon farming platform Agreena’s founder and CEO Simon Haldrup discussed how the company’s digital MRV (measurement, reporting and verification) system supports farmers in quantifying and validating their soil carbon gains. It also highlighted the role of financial incentives, such as carbon credits, in helping producers shift toward regenerative practices. You can watch the webinar here.
Beyond the field, legislative and investor scrutiny is also driving demand for verifiable data. This is where tools such as geospatial AI are being positioned as solutions. In an upcoming webinar, software provider Picterra will examine how such technologies can address data gaps and improve compliance with emerging sustainability frameworks. Register for the webinar to join the conversation.
Nature-based solutions: an alternative path
While technology offers new efficiencies, some argue that the sector risks becoming overly reliant on digital interventions. For investors and NGOs, nature-based solutions are often viewed as lower-risk, lower-cost alternatives that can deliver environmental outcomes without heavy infrastructure or advanced monitoring tools.
In a recent podcast, the Sajeev Mohankumar from the FAIRR Initiative points to some reasons why investors should be encouraged to shift away from technology-first solutions and towards holistic, nature-based approaches. These include rotational grazing, agroforestry and wetland restoration – interventions that work with natural systems rather than around them, and are more efficient and effective. Listen to the podcast here.
On-the-ground realities
While the conversation around sustainable agriculture often focuses on technologies and targets, the human dimensions are just as pressing. Farmers – particularly small and independent ones – face mounting financial and operational pressures. A recent post notes that many are being asked to shoulder the cost of transition, while also dealing with volatile markets and tightening margins. Read the new post here.
At the same time, not all farmers are affected equally. Structural inequities remain a major barrier for underrepresented groups. For example, in the US, minority farmers face persistent obstacles in accessing credit, technical assistance and land ownership – all of which limit their ability to engage in sustainability schemes. In an interview with Seanicaa Edwards from the NGO Freedmen Heirs Foundation, we explore how historical injustices continue to shape present-day disparities, and what steps might be taken to address them. Click here to listen to the podcast.
What now?
From soil health and carbon accounting to digital tools and equity concerns, the future of sustainable agriculture will depend on recognising its interconnected challenges. No single intervention – whether tech-based or nature-driven – will suffice. Progress will require collaboration across supply chains, support for farmers on the ground, and a commitment to closing both data and equity gaps in the years ahead.
Innovation Forum’s future of food and beverage series is returning to Amsterdam and Minneapolis this year to discuss how food and beverage brands can build resilience, regenerate nature and transform supply. Join the conversation with the likes of Danone, Ferrero, Asahi, Heineken, Cargill, Mars, Walmart, Kraft Heinz and many more. See below for information on how to get involved:
