Developing a model of sustainably-competitive agriculture

摘要

Food production is a unique, strategically vital public good that requires all stakeholders to adopt broader, more holistic approaches to achieve economically and environmentally resilient production systems that harness the inherent benefits of natural processes and production capacities within local environments. The concept of sustainably-competitive agriculture is essentially a value-adding approach that seeks to apply the large body of existing knowledge across the disciplines of agriculture, food & environmental sciences, and a targeted acquisition of new knowledge, to achieve this goal. It also provides a useful framework for thinking about the reforms needed to mobilise and apply the available knowledge in the development of systems that confer real marketing advantages, including enhanced food quality, improved animal health and reduced environmental impacts. Whilst much of the necessary knowledge already exists, organisational innovation within Agri-Food to integrate research, advisory supports, and a re-appraisal of educational requirements, are needed for implementation of the strategy.