Sustainable food system Flashcards
What is a sustainable food system?
A sustainable food system meets current needs without harming future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
What are the key principles of sustainable food systems
Environmental Sustainability – Protects natural resources (soil, water, air).
Social Responsibility – Ensures affordable, nutritious food and enhances farmers’ well-being.
Economic Sustainability – Farmers must earn enough to cover production costs and have financial security.
What is urban agriculture?
Urban agriculture is growing food in cities, using unused spaces like rooftops, home gardens, or even guerrilla gardening (unauthorized planting). It provides local food sources and reduces waste.
What are the benefits of greenhouse food production?
Greenhouses can grow food year-round, use solar panels and biomass for heating, and have their own ecosystems. They reduce environmental impact and help grow off-season vegetables.
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil. The water is recycled to maintain efficiency.
What is aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a system that combines hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil) and fish farming. In this system, fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help filter and clean the water for the fish. This creates a self-sustaining, eco-friendly cycle where both the plants and fish thrive together.
What is aquaculture, and what challenges does it face?
Aquaculture is the farming of fish. It’s a fast-growing industry providing 20% of animal protein. However, salmon farming can spread parasites to wild fish. Sustainable practices aim to minimize environmental impact.
What is cultured meat?
Cultured meat is lab-grown meat that doesn’t require slaughtering animals. It reduces factory farming and pollution, but it currently uses a lot of energy during production.
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is when certain plants help each other grow by providing nutrients or protecting against pests.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
the use of natural methods (e.g., beneficial insects, nets, fans) to control pests without using harmful chemicals.
what are the key points to remember about sustainable agriculture?
Sustainability involves ecological, economic, and social responsibility.
Techniques like crop rotation, hydroponics, and aquaponics reduce resource use.
Urban agriculture and new technologies (like cultured meat) make sustainable farming more accessible.
What are some sustainable farming techniques?
Crop Rotation: Changing crops to keep soil healthy.
Cover Crops: Planting off-season to protect soil.
Intercropping: Growing different crops together for biodiversity.
No-Till Farming: Not turning soil to keep moisture and nutrient locked in
vertical farming= Growing plants on walls or structures to save space and water. It can be hydroponic or soil-based.
