The Hidden Impact of Global Agriculture: Key Findings from RA Capital and The Nature Conservancy

Agriculture is the most resource-intensive industry on the planet, and its size and impact are often underestimated, according to a recent study by RA Capital Management’s Planetary Health Team in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy.

Unveiling the Agriculture Map

This week, the two organizations released the Agriculture Map, described as “a systems-level view of the most important industry in the world” and a clarion call for action directed at investors, governments, businesses, and philanthropists.

Key Findings

The findings presented in the Agriculture Map stem from “proprietary data analysis” and “extensive research.” While much of this data is familiar to those in agrifood and impact circles, the map delves into specific areas such as alternative proteins and food waste, revealing compelling statistics that clarify agriculture’s profound impact.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap

“The environmental and human health challenges posed by the food system are well-understood in some circles, but translating this information into actionable insights remains a challenge,” stated Stephen Wood, a senior scientist focused on agriculture and food systems at The Nature Conservancy. “This map enables non-experts to swiftly grasp the scope of the problem and the viable solutions available.”

Call to Action

The Agriculture Map advocates for a shift away from isolated technological innovations aimed solely at increasing yields, urging a transition toward a more comprehensive and dynamic set of solutions.

“Through this publication, RA Capital and The Nature Conservancy aim to underscore agriculture’s scale and impact—both beneficial and detrimental—making it impossible to ignore,” the report emphasizes.

By the Numbers: The Impact of Agriculture on Planetary Health

• 50%: Proportion of habitable land on Earth used for agriculture. By comparison, oil, gas, cement, and steel industries utilize less than 1% of this land.
• 70%: Amount of global freshwater consumed by agriculture, highlighting the significance of water-intensive crops.
• 500: Number of aquatic dead zones globally, resulting from agricultural runoff, affecting regions collectively the size of the United Kingdom.
• 86.6 quadrillion: British Thermal Units of energy consumed by agriculture, surpassing the cement and steel industries.
• 40%: Land savings possible through increased greenhouse production, although a complete transition isn’t feasible.
• 2 billion: People that could be fed with globally wasted food, requiring nearly twice the land area of the contiguous United States to grow.
• 2X: Amount of calories produced by global agriculture compared to what is necessary, indicating malnutrition is a distribution issue.
• 96%: Land that could be saved by switching to cultivated meat, valuable for future agricultural practices.
• $400–$500 billion: Total addressable market size for alternative animal feeds, with potential solutions to reduce methane emissions.

Conclusion

The insights gained from the Agriculture Map present crucial information for stakeholders in agriculture, urging a holistic approach to address the challenges posed by our food systems. By drawing attention to both the benefits and downsides of agriculture, we can work towards more sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.