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Does increased biodiversity increase food production?

It has become increasingly prevalent for people to learn about how their food choices are
associated with their surroundings such as how their food is made or where their food come
from and how can they maintain their food sources. There is a relationship between
biodiversity and food production around the world, this including Australia. Australia’s
biodiversity is the basis in our agriculture and food production that promote and allow
farmers to evolve in agriculture about more than 10,000 years ago (source 8). So, what is
biodiversity? There are many definitions from different sources to define this term,
according to a presentation from Latrobe university, they state that biodiversity is the
diversity of all forms of living organisms. It includes diversity within and among species
(including genetic diversity) and diversity within and among ecosystems (source 4). In other
words, biodiversity includes all the living things and in associate with food production,
biodiversity could be trees, plants, flowers, bees, wildlife, cows, pigs, fish, etc. Since Australia
has a various amount of biodiversity, the complex food webs within the national biodiversity
help enhance and promote ecosystem and biodiversity sustainability and stability. Less
biodiversity meaning there will be less plants, animals and other species which will impact
pollination, and natural fertilisation of soil, affecting food system such as agriculture.
Therefore, less food.
The CISRO states that “biodiversity makes human life on Earth possible”, according to the
report on Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, biodiversity supplies
many vital ecosystem services, such as creating and maintaining healthy soils, pollinating
plants, controlling pests and providing habitat for wildlife, including for fish and other
species that are vital to food production and agricultural livelihoods (source 1).
For instance, bees are one of the great examples of how the living species can take part in
the food system. Bees help to pollinate most of the crops we eat and many that feed farm
livestock. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee
pollination (source 6). Although beekeeping constitutes a relatively modest sector, its impact
within the agricultural industry is substantial. It holds significance not only in the production
of honey and other hive-related products like beeswax but, more crucially, in the vital
pollination services offered by bees. Bees are also very beneficial for the Australia economy
as honey and other hive products generate around $100 million per year in Australia (source
6). Despite the fact that bees are not native to Australia and some studies explain that bees
are considered as pests in our country, the Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry convey that around 35% of crops in Australia need bees for pollination. Up to
75% of crops gain benefits from bee pollination such as blueberries, apples, mangoes,
almonds, avocados, etc. (source 9 and 7) and a majority of crops would struggle to be
productive without honeybee pollination (source 6).
More than that, the presence of biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels plays a
crucial role in addressing the complexities arising from various environmental conditions and
socio-economic factors that can change over time. The strategy of diversifying production
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systems, which involves incorporating multiple species, breeds, or varieties, integrating the
utilization of crop, livestock, forest, and aquatic biodiversity, or advocating for habitat
diversity in the nearby environment, whether on land or in water, contributes to enhancing
resilience, elevating livelihoods, and bolstering food security and nutritional outcomes
(source1). According to FAO report, “the world’s livestock production is based on about 40
animal species, with only a handful providing the vast majority of meat, milk and eggs”
(source 5). Additionally, biodiversity can act as a natural pest control, a diverse ecosystem
can assist in a variety of natural predators and beneficial organisms that help control pests.
This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and protect crops from damage. A text on
CSIRO reveals that a diverse biodiversity also has the potential to increase the amount of
crops and increase trade of agricultural goods (source 2). An expert, FAO’s Director-General
highlights that biodiversity is critical for safeguarding global food security, underpinning
healthy and nutritious diets, improving rural livelihoods, and enhancing the resilience of
people and communities. (Source 5)
Nevertheless, biodiversity can have negative impacts on food production, yet the positive
effects outweigh its negativity. Biodiversity can sometimes facilitate the spread of diseases
that affect crops or livestock (source 11). Also, high biodiversity can also increase the risk of
invasive species that can harm crops and disrupt ecosystems (source 10). As biodiversity can
bring both advantages and disadvantages to Australia food system, it is necessary to
understand that the complexity of the relationship between biodiversity and food
production. As wise consumer, we will want to manage biodiversity in a way that supports
sustainable and resilient food systems; sustainable agricultural practices that promote
biodiversity, such as agroecology and organic farming, often aim to strike a balance between
maximizing food production and maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Even though biodiversity is immensely significant to Australia’s food production, there has
been a noticeable trend on how our biodiversity is negatively affected and declines
overtime. Numerous crucial elements of biodiversity pertaining to food and agriculture (BFA)
are experiencing a decline across genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Data indicates that
the percentage of endangered livestock breeds is on the rise, approximately one-third of fish
stocks are subject to overfishing, and assessments show that a third of evaluated freshwater
fish species are categorized as threatened (source 3). As a consequence, supplying enough
safe and nutritious food for a growing world population is facing many challenges (source 3).
Many species, including pollinators, soil organisms, and the natural predators of pests, which
play essential roles in providing critical ecosystem services, are diminishing due to the
destruction and deterioration of habitats, excessive exploitation, pollution, and various other
threats (source 1). There are 7745 livestock still exist but 27% of them are at risk of
extinction, and only 7% are not at risk (source 1). If this trend keeps going on, our
biodiversity status will worsen, and less biodiversity means that plants and animals are more
vulnerable to pests and diseases (source 5). This will eventually lead to loss of crops and
livestock which will impact the food supply for Australians.
There are many factors that can cause the decline in biodiversity such as climate change,
increase in the use of pesticides, land clearing/urbanization, etc. Climate change in Australia
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has been a big issue since the start of 21st century, the term ‘climate change’ refers to “any
change in the climate, lasting for several decades or longer, including changes in
temperature, rainfall or wind patterns”, these could include extreme flood, long period of
drought, hotter atmosphere temperature, less annual rainfall, etc. (source 12). With
Australia being the hottest continent on the planet, out nation have already been
experienced the impact of climate change such as increase in temperature, flood, bushfire,
and so on. These extreme natural events will interrupt the habitat of wildlife, fauna and flora
in Australia as Many plants and animals cannot adapt to the effects of climate change and
even become closer to the edge of extinction, impacting our biodiversity (source 13).
Moreover, climate change can create livestock difficulties as put pressure on livestock and
this will reduce their productivity, impacting meat, dairy and egg production or supply for
our country (source 14). In addition, the use of pesticides is also responsible for the decrease
of national biodiversity. Pesticides are widely used in food production, especially farming.
However, it contains potential harm to the environment and animals. Pesticides are
chemicals that could help with controlling pests, but non-target species can be direct
harmed by it, these species include bees, butterflies, they are pollinator that are good for
the growth of plants and close to 75% of the world's crops depend on pollinators (source 7).
Many living organisms can act as natural pest control agents and helps protect crops against
changing weather and pest impacts, the use of pesticides can kill them, leading to pollinator
decline. Australia population is continuing to grow; hence, land is needed to provide
adequate shelter for the population. Urbanization and land clearing both put pressure on
the environment and are the major cause of habitat loss, fragmentation, and reduction in
living species on Earth (source 16). This occurs due to the process of land clearing and
urbanization will negatively impact the living environment of fauna and flora, limiting their
access to food and shelter, pollution during the process also lead to the loss of these species.
So, how do we as consumers protect Australia biodiversity to further strengthen our food
production? Research shows that “we can feed the world and bend the curve on diversity
loss”, this study explains that there are several ways to reverse the loss of biodiversity by the
conversion of their habitats (source 2). Dr Mario Herrero, a Chief Research Scientist in
Agriculture and Food division emphasizes that there are a number of actions needed to
reverse out biodiversity: (source 2)

 Enhance crop yields in a sustainable manner.

 Promote the growth of agricultural trade.
 Minimize agricultural goods wastage from farm to table.
 Adjust our dietary habits to reduce our consumption of animal-based calories.
 Expand the coverage and effective management of protected regions, such as
national parks.
 Boost efforts in land restoration and the development of comprehensive landscape
conservation strategies.
If we can make these improvements, the study presents that avoid more than two-thirds of
future biodiversity losses and by 2050 there will be a reversal of the biodiversity trends from
habitat conversion. Regarding another source of information (source 17), we can support
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biodiversity by planting for pollinator. As “honeybees, native bees and other native insects
like hoverflies, wasps and butterflies provide essential pollination services for native plants,
pastures, crops, fruits and vegetables” in Australia, but their population is decreasing due to
many factors such as land clearing, intensive or monocultural agriculture, pesticide use,
environmental pollution, colony disease and climate change, it is important to us to create
an appropriate environment for ensure shelter for those pollinators in our nation in farm
landscapes (source 17).

There are more solutions on how to protect out biodiversity. Based on a post-graduate study
from Charles Sturt University (source 18), agroecological farming practices could be a great
solution for living microorganism loss. This farming method implement mimic natural
ecosystems, include crop rotation, intercropping, cover cropping, and agroforestry. They
enhance biodiversity by creating diverse habitats that support various plant and animal
species. Farmers can practice natural pest control instead of use of pesticides which could
harm many species, they can do this by using natural predators and beneficial insects to
control pests (source 17). Sustainable livestock practices are also needed for Australia’s food
production, implementation such as:

 Rotational Grazing which involves the use of grazing systems that rotate livestock to
maintain the health of pastures and prevent overgrazing.
 Pasture-Based Systems that encourage livestock to graze on diverse pastures
containing various plant species.

Combining these strategies and promoting sustainable, biodiversity-friendly farming

practices can contribute to both food production and protect and preserve our unique
biodiversity, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable food system for the future.

In conclusion, the complex connection between biodiversity and food production in Australia
holds immense promise and is undeniable important to our country. The nation's unique
ecosystems and agricultural landscapes offer a remarkable opportunity to harness the
benefits of increased biodiversity. By implementing sustainable farming practices, conserving
native habitats, and embracing the rich genetic diversity of crops and livestock, Australia can
enhance its food production capabilities. This association between biodiversity and food
production not only safeguards the environment and native species but also fortifies the
resilience of the agricultural sector in response to evolving challenges. Ultimately, this
synergy ensures a more sustainable and abundant food supply for both the present and
future generations.

References:

1. FAO. (2019) “Biodiversity for food and agriculture.” At: https://www.fao.org/state-of-

biodiversity-for-food-agriculture/en/#:~:text=Biodiversity%20is%20essential%20to%20food
%20and%20agriculture&text=Biodiversity%20makes%20production%20systems
%20and,negative%20impacts%20on%20the%20environment. ’
2. Cranny.K. (11 September 2020). “Balancing global food demands and biodiversity.” At:
https://blog.csiro.au/global-food-biodiversity-loss/
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3. GreenFacts. (25 April 2019). “The state in the world of the biodiversity for food and
agriculture”. At: https://www.greenfacts.org/en/biodiversity-agriculture/index.htm#1
4. LatrobeUniversity. (20 October 2020). “How does biodiversity benefit agriculture? At:
https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/downloads/Land%20Health%20Current%20Projects/GB
%20CMA_Radford_20102020%20(003).pdf
5. FAO. (22 February 2019). “The biodiversity that is crucial for our food and agriculture is
disappearing by the day”. At:
https://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/1180463/icode/#:~:text=Biodiversity%20for
%20food%20and%20agriculture%20is%20all%20the%20plants%20and,
%E2%80%93%20called%20%E2%80%9Cassociated%20biodiversity%E2%80%9D.

6. wheenbeefoundation. (April 03, 2023). “Bee Matter”. At:

https://www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/about-bees-pollination/
7. WileyOnlineLibrary. (16 April 2023). “Why losing Australia's biodiversity matters for human
health: insights from the latest State of the Environment assessment”. At:
https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.51904
8. Gurdev K. (19/10/2019). “The Importance of Biodiversity to Food and Agricultural Systems across
the Globe”. At:
https://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm/88533/18098/the_importance_of_biodiversity_to_fo
od_and_agricultural_systems_across_the_globe#:~:text=The%20food%20we%20humans
%20eat,agriculture%20about%2010%2C000%20years%20ago.

9. AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandForestry. (08 June 2022). “Honey

Bees” at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/hort-policy/
honeybees#pollination
10. AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofAgriculture,FisheriesandForestry. (14 November 2021).
‘Invasive species’ at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/invasive-species

11. Murphy H. and Leeuwen S. (2021). ‘Australia State of the environment 2021’. At:
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/biodiversity/pressures/invasive-species-problematic-native-species-
and-diseases
12. Climiatecouncil. (16 Oct 2019). ‘What Is Climate Change and What Can We Do About It?’ at:
https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/what-is-climate-change-what-can-we-do/
13. EmergencyAction. (26 Jan 2023). ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security’. at:
https://emergencyaction.org.au/eaa-2021/posts/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-food-
security#:~:text=Food%20Security%20in%20Australia&text=In%20recent%20decades%2C
%20Australia%20has,average%20farm%20profits%20by%2023%25.

14. Tanya S. (March 2023). ‘Climate Change and Livestock Welfare’. At:
https://www.vfca.org.au/livestock
15. Ridoutt B, Baird D, Navarro J, Hendrie G. (29 November 2021). ‘Pesticide Toxicity Footprints of
Australian Dietary Choices’. At: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8703275/
16. Cresswell I., Janke T., Johnston E. (2021). ‘Australia State of the environment 2021’. At:
https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/overview/pressures/people#:~:text=The%20threats%20to
%20biodiversity%20in,heat%20events%20(ACF%202020).
17. Sustainablefarm. (2023). ‘Support Biodiversity’. At: https://www.sustainablefarms.org.au/on-the-
farm/biodiversity/
18. Anne J., Geoff G. (15 April 2021). ‘Agroecology: Helping feed the world and protect our planet’.
at: https://insight.study.csu.edu.au/agroecology/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CA%20key%20practice
%20of%20agroecology,resilient%2C%20especially%20during%20adverse%20events.
19. CISRO. (9 June 2023). ‘Grazing systems in sustainable food futures.’ At:
https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/industries/agriculture/sustainable-food-and-agriculture-
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systems/understanding-and-navigating-global-change-in-our-food-systems/grazing-systems-in-
sustainable-food-futures