Organic Insights - Spring 2022

Organic Insights / Spring 2022 / 21

“As global temperatures continue to increase above long-term averages, the key characteristics of organic farming and production, lend themselves to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions.” While organic food systems generally mean emissions are lower, Professor Howden said the ethos that comes with organic farming tends to come along with an ethos of reducing waste. “Food waste is a big part of the global picture with some estimates suggesting between 30 and 40 per cent of the food grown on earth is lost or wasted, which also contributes to emissions,” he said.

SPEAKING AT THE RECENT AUSTRALIAN ORGANIC CONFERENCE IN BRISBANE, PROFESSOR MARK HOWDEN, VICE CHAIR OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND DIRECTOR OF THE ANU’S INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY AND DISASTER SOLUTIONS SAYS,

Innovations in sustainable packaging were discussed in two sessions, with the latest advances in wine packaging explored by industry experts on day two. A panel discussion around Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, also highlighted tools and resources that business of all sizes can use, to become more environmentally friendly and transform their packaging. Innovative methods to harness insect pheromones for organic crop protectants were explored, and attendees also heard how food waste can be converted into carbon positive feed products using black soldier flies.

“Organic farming very tightly manages inputs into production systems, which tends to restrict the loss of gases, such as nitrous oxide and methane in the atmosphere, and generally makes the system more efficient and less leaky,” he said. “In various circumstances, organic farming also builds soil organic carbon, meaning the carbon is taken out of the atmosphere and put into the soil.” “This is fundamental to soil health, enhances the productivity and sustainability of farming systems, as well as being important from a climate change point of view.”

TimMarshall & Dr Anika Molesworth