Sustainable Foods 2025 illuminated a pressing reality: our food system stands at a crossroads. From the promise of regenerative agriculture to the urgency of net zero targets, the event made it clear that transformative change will require both bottom-up innovation and top-down support. Here we discuss 10 insights from the conference covering core themes, challenges, and opportunities that emerged over the course of this event.
- Regenerative agriculture as a solution
Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a flagship solution for tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing modern farming. It aims to rebuild and rejuvenate ecosystems, but the question of financing remains. Initial costs can be prohibitive for many farmers. Without proper financial support, farmers may struggle to afford the new equipment and additional labour that will likely be required, especially during transitional periods where yields might temporarily drop.
Panellists underscored the need for multi-stakeholder investment and collaboration: governmental subsidies, corporate sustainability programs, and consumer-driven demand could all contribute.
- Transitioning to net zero
Achieving net zero emissions in agriculture is crucial in tackling climate change. At the Sustainable Foods Summit, experts stressed a dual approach: reducing emissions and offsetting unavoidable ones through nature-based solutions. Key tactics include better manure management, precision fertiliser use, and renewable energy adoption. All of which lower emissions while cutting costs.
In addition to these tactics, carbon offsetting through reforestation, agroforestry, and soil carbon sequestration may be required to balance remaining emissions. Transparent carbon accounting will be essential to ensuring net zero claims are credible.
- Measuring Scope 3 emissions
Scope 3 emissions encompass the indirect carbon footprint across the supply chain, from raw materials to product disposal. In food and agriculture, these emissions can account for over 70% of the overall carbon footprint, exceeding direct (Scope 1) and energy-related (Scope 2) emissions.
At the Sustainable Foods Summit, experts highlighted challenges in data collection, but regardless of the associated difficulties, tracking Scope 3 emissions will be vital for understanding the environmental impact of agribusinesses. Emerging tools like “Life Cycle Assessment” software, blockchain tracking, and sustainability platforms are already improving accuracy. Additionally, the continued development of standardised frameworks, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, should ensure credibility and enable businesses to develop targeted, data-driven emissions strategies.
- Carbon-neutral supply chains
Recent research has indicated that 90% of natural capital impact and 80% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced in the supply chain. While measuring emissions is a vital first step, these figures suggest that achieving carbon-neutral supply chains will require systematic reduction rather than mere offsetting. At the Sustainable Foods Summit leading figures in agribusiness emphasised the need to cut emissions across production, processing, distribution, and packaging.
Collaboration will be essential to achieving carbon-neutral supply chains. Retailers and manufacturers will need to support farmers with financial incentives and technological innovation. Consumers will need to hold other stakeholders accountable, requesting verification of any sustainability claims. Although low-carbon farming techniques will inevitably play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gases at the source, optimised logistics, reduced packaging, and circular practices are critical to minimising emissions further along the supply chain.
- Economic sustainability for farmers
Central to the discussion at the Sustainable Foods Summit was the notion that sustainability must also be profitable—or at least economically feasible—for farmers. Although sustainable practices offer long-term benefits, such as improved soil health and lower input costs, these gains take time, and transition costs can be significant, with transition costs estimated at $11.50 to $39 USD per acre.
Experts stressed the need for financial support. Government subsidies for cover crops and carbon sequestration programs, as well as private-sector incentives like premium prices and long-term contracts, can provide stability for farmers, making it easier to adopt sustainable practices without jeopardising their livelihoods.
- Moving towards plant-based foods
Shifting towards more plant-based diets was another major theme. A recent study indicates that plant-based diets produce 75% less greenhouse gas emissions, 75% less water pollution, and require 75% less land than their meat-based counterparts. In light of this, consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly embracing alternative proteins.
Health benefits, such as reduced risks of heart disease and obesity, further support this trend. Experts called for government guidelines and education to promote plant-rich diets while recognising cultural preferences and the role of responsibly produced animal proteins.
- Policy support and government action
Throughout the course of the summit, it became clear that policy reforms and government incentives will be key to accelerating the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices. Well-designed policies that make regenerative and climate-resilient practices both practical and financially viable for farmers will be required to help ensure that sustainability becomes the norm. Flexible regulations that offer multiple compliance options and make adoption easier will facilitate greater integration into mainstream agriculture.
Greater transparency and data sharing between public and private sectors will be required to align policies with on-the-ground realities. Effective monitoring may also be needed to prevent greenwashing and ensure funds and policies are properly directed.
- Consumer demand and responsibility
Another recurring theme at the summit was the transformative power of consumer choices. As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for sustainably sourced, low-emission, and traceable products. Despite this growing demand, price, taste, and convenience still dominate purchasing decisions. Bridging this gap will require effective communication, pricing strategies, and innovation.
In particular, panellists emphasised the need for consumer education to help people understand the impact of their choices. Clear labelling and greater transparency will inevitably foster greater trust.
- Technology and innovation in agriculture
Advancements in technology are crucial for unlocking the next wave of sustainability in agriculture. Speakers at the Sustainable Foods Summit highlighted tools like drone imaging and soil sensors that optimise resources, increase efficiency, and reduce waste. Precision agriculture technologies used in combination with data analytics and GPS systems, geospatial mapping etc were lauded at the summit. This combination of technologies have been shown to increase crop production by 4%, enhance fertiliser placement efficiency by 7%, reduce herbicide and pesticide use by 9%, decrease fossil fuel use by 6%, and lower water usage by 4%.
Technology is set to play an even greater role in sustainable agriculture in the future. Robotics and AI are increasingly capable of automating tasks such as weeding or harvesting. Software platforms and digital tools are also helping to monitor soil health, track carbon, and predict yields. However, experts stressed that technology must be paired with equitable access and proper training to ensure it drives systemic change.
- Collaboration across sectors
Finally, a unifying thread throughout the conference was the need for collaboration at every level of the food system. Sustainable transformations are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone—farmers need government support, governments rely on scientific research, and businesses need consumers. All of these will need to work together to create a more sustainable food system that promotes both environmental and economic resilience. Ultimately, effective collaboration ensures sustainability efforts are coordinated, scalable, and capable of addressing interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Building a sustainable future
The invaluable insights shared in the Sustainable Foods Summit highlight the need for cross-sector partnerships that empower farmers, businesses, and governments to work together toward a common goal.
At Farrelly Mitchell, we believe that the path to a sustainable future hinges on such collaboration. We work with governments, multilaterals, NGOs, and corporate clients to integrate more sustainable practices, maximise productivity, and achieve ecological harmony. By embracing regenerative agriculture, leveraging technology, and prioritising long-term sustainability, we help build a food system that is resilient, efficient, and capable of meeting the growing demands of a changing world.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but with collective effort, the potential for positive, lasting change is within reach. Contact us today to find out how we can guide your organisation to a more sustainable future.