Sustainable food production and processing—sustainable agriculture and biotechnological approaches in food chain

Abstract

The current trend of the increasing human population as well as the evolution of consumption patterns, increasing food demand and growing amounts of food waste influence changes along the entire food chain, from agricultural systems and natural resources to processing. It is worth underlining that the agri-food industry is considered one of the most important sectors of economic development in the world. However, the increased demand for food is depleting natural resources, causing soil erosion, landscape biodiversity loss and environmental pollution worldwide, creating new challenges for food security and sustainable food production. Therefore, sustainable agriculture and new technologies and approaches play an increasingly significant role in reducing negative environmental impacts while ensuring food safety. It stays in line with the model of food production development promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, according to which sustainable agriculture means the production of healthy, high-quality food in an environmentally friendly way, caring for animal welfare and protecting biodiversity, as well as ensuring income for farmers. This approach is also consistent with many concepts focused on the issue of sustainable, eco-friendly food production, such as development of sustainable agriculture, the One Health concept, Climate-Smart Agriculture, the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, strongly emphasising efforts to create a healthier and more sustainable food system.