Environment
By 2050, the world’s population is projected to reach 9.1 billion, accompanied by a corresponding increase in per capita consumption. This growth in population also entails a higher demand for food and resources. In order to meet this demand, food production will need to increase by 70 percent compared to current levels, according to the FAO.
However, it is crucial that we achieve this growth in production without irreversibly depleting our planet’s natural resources. This challenge requires us to redefine the boundaries of our supply chains and develop solutions that reduce waste and promote circularity. Agroloop’s main goal is to meet this demand while adhering to its environmental credo, which prioritizes the following goals:
Only approximately one-third of the food produced in the world actually makes it to the dinner table. The remaining two-thirds often end up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to pollution and other environmental issues. Shockingly, the total value of food waste can reach up to $1,000 billion annually. In contrast, the UN estimates that only $30 billion would be needed to eliminate global hunger.
Many of the protein sources commonly used today have significant water footprints. For example, soy production has a water footprint of approximately 2,000 litres per kilogram, while pork requires around 5,500 litres per kilogram, and red meat can reach up to 16,000 litres per kilogram.
The expansion of agricultural land is one of the leading causes of deforestation worldwide. If current trends persist, it is estimated that all the world’s rainforests will disappear within the next 100 years. Soy and maize farming, in particular, require much more land than insect farming.
It is alarming that 40% of global fisheries catches are either discarded or turned into fishmeal because they do not fall within the target range. The continuous depletion of our seas and oceans is a serious concern. Adding to this issue, it takes 2 kilograms of fishmeal to produce just 1 kilogram of farmed fish.
With the world’s population rapidly growing, the agricultural production capacity is being pushed to its limits to meet the increasing demand. Consequently, the agro-processing industries are experiencing an accelerated flow of materials. Ensuring traceability and transparency is a priority for the feed industry, especially in light of the growing demand for food.
Stakeholders involved in agricultural innovation are faced with various challenges, including economic, ethical, environmental, and legal concerns. In particular, it is crucial to be transparent about business practices and address any potential negative impacts that may arise. If left unchecked, these challenges could significantly impact our future and the health of our planet.