Finding synergies between agroecology and industrial ecology toward sustainable agricultural systems

Abstract

The question of how humans will co-create better food and agricultural systems is ex­tremely complex, and responses vary significantly due to experiences, worldviews, and values. Those of us working on this question typically agree that the goal is to realize systems that are equitable, just, minimize harm to, and ultimately support healthy ecosystems for current and future generations. I will refer to this goal as sustainability. My training is in industrial ecology and civil and environmental engineering, and my professional research focuses on questions of the climate and nutrient impacts associated with agriculture and food products as they are in our time, i.e., dominated by commodity crops. I was introduced to agroecology about 15 years ago while looking into ways to reduce nutri­ent runoff and improve soil and ecosystems, such as alternative cropping systems, integrated farming practices, permaculture, and more. Eventually, I learned of agroecology as a science, movement, and practice, which increased my interest to learn more. Both industrial ecology and agroecology, and the many branches within them, earnestly pursue facets of sustainability in agriculture, food, and other bio-based systems, and collaboration could lead to synergistic efforts. . . .