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Foodstuff
These three topics were top of mind in 2023 for sustainable food professionals — and will move the field forward in the year ahead.
By Theresa Lieb
December 14, 2023
As we head into the final weeks of 2023, it is time to reflect on the big topics that sustainability professionals working on food and agriculture grappled with and advanced over the year — and which will help define the challenges ahead in 2024.
The big buckets such as regenerative agriculture, sustainable diets and circularity we address in GreenBiz’s reporting and events don’t change quickly because those are issues that will require many years of continued work. But the cross-cutting themes within those buckets are dynamic, responding to economic trends, sustainability lessons learned and other developments.
Unpacking the biodiversity buzz
Across 2023 businesses recognized that holistic social and environmental solutions will bring us closer to a resilient economy than optimizing only for carbon sequestration.
At our inaugural biodiversity event Bloom 23, we dove deep into how companies can better understand their nature-related risks and dependencies and leverage related business opportunities. We have also examined this trend in articles throughout the year:
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How General Mills is advancing climate and nature goals hand-in-hand
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Agroforestry is the regenerative technique getting overlooked in the U.S.
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5 nature trends starting to shape business in 2023
As more companies assess and disclose their overall impacts, 2024 will likely offer insights into how the expanded awareness will change business practices.
Giving Indigenous peoples a seat at the table
Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion has been an increasingly important topic for sustainability professionals since the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The issue has since reached far beyond the rights of Black people. This year, the role of Native Americans and Indigenous people worldwide in transforming food systems has become a particular focus.
Our coverage of this topic in 2023 included:
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Building relationships with Indigenous peoples: a 5-step guide for companies
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Understanding the barriers to regenerative agriculture on Native Land
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From paper to people: Bringing equity to carbon markets
We’ve only dipped our toes into the complex and critical role Indigenous peoples have to play in developing sustainable food systems. 2024 should further deepen our understanding of what to do and what not to do when it comes to respecting their rights and building trust with communities. We’ll be on the lookout for successful case studies to cover.
Getting creative to fund the transition
Most programs and technologies that enable decarbonization or improve social outcomes require upfront (if not continued) investment.