Onderzoek duurzaamheids kpi’s & landgebruik biologisch

Advantages of Measuring Impact per Hectare in Organic Agriculture

Introduction: In the discourse surrounding sustainable agriculture, the debate often pits conventional farming against organic practices. While conventional agriculture emphasizes high yields per kilogram of product, organic farming prioritizes holistic approaches that consider impacts beyond mere productivity metrics. This paper advocates for the assessment of agricultural impact per hectare rather than per kilogram of product, particularly in the context of organic farming. By examining key arguments against organic agriculture and presenting evidence supporting its benefits, we highlight the need to shift the focus towards evaluating sustainability at the landscape level.

Common Arguments Against Organic Agriculture:

1. “Organic farming cannot feed the world”: Contrary to this assertion, organic agriculture, with its emphasis on soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and climate resilience, holds promise for sustainable food production. While organic methods may sometimes yield less per hectare, addressing the inefficiencies in land use for feed production and intensive animal farming could alleviate this challenge, as advocated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Therefore, it is pertinent to evaluate sustainability performance per hectare rather than per kilogram of product.
2. “Bio has worse emissions per kilogram of product”: While some studies suggest that emissions per kilogram of product may be higher in organic farming, it is essential to consider the broader environmental impact of agricultural systems. Organic farming practices contribute positively to biodiversity conservation, soil quality improvement, and carbon sequestration, offsetting potential emissions concerns. Additionally, conventional life cycle assessments may not adequately capture the nuances of organic systems, leading to biased comparisons. Therefore, assessing impact per hectare provides a more holistic understanding of environmental sustainability.

The Facts Supporting Organic Agriculture:

1. Better Impact Across Various Metrics: Organic agriculture consistently outperforms conventional methods in biodiversity conservation and soil health, as evidenced by numerous scientific studies. However, conventional farming’s reliance on ecosystem services is endangering its continuity, as highlighted by reports from institutions such as the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Organic farming, with its focus on preserving soil quality and biodiversity, presents a viable solution to current and future food production challenges.
2. Extensivity and Environmental Benefits: While organic farming may be less intensive in terms of yield per hectare, it offers superior environmental benefits per unit of land. This leads to positive impacts on surrounding ecosystems, including improved biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and air quality. Contrary to the apparent efficiency of conventional agriculture in terms of per-unit metrics, organic farming’s broader ecological benefits make it a more sustainable choice for long-term food production.

The Need for a Holistic Perspective:

1. Addressing Blind Spots in Sustainability Metrics: Merely striving for higher output with fewer inputs fails to address the systemic environmental challenges posed by conventional agriculture. By focusing solely on per-unit metrics, we risk overlooking broader ecological impacts and perpetuating unsustainable practices. Embracing a perspective that considers ecological boundaries and regional environmental outcomes is crucial for achieving a truly sustainable food system.
2. Consumer Choice and Policy Influence: Achieving sustainable food production requires not only changes in agricultural practices but also shifts in consumer behavior and policy frameworks. Government policies that incentivize sustainable land use, procurement practices, and dietary choices can significantly influence the trajectory of food systems towards sustainability.

Conclusion: In conclusion, measuring agricultural impact per hectare, particularly in the context of organic farming, offers a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of sustainability. While conventional agriculture may appear more efficient on a per-unit basis, its reliance on intensive inputs and degradation of ecosystem services pose significant risks to long-term food security and environmental health. By prioritizing impact per hectare and embracing organic farming practices, we can build resilient and sustainable food systems that meet the needs of current and future generations while safeguarding planetary health.