Energy Intensity of Agriculture and Food Systems

TLDR

Energy use in food systems is complex and increasingly critical to food security amid urbanization, globalization, and demographic shifts. The study reviews the current state of knowledge on the energy intensity of agriculture and food systems, highlighting key drivers, trends, and opportunities and constraints for improved efficiencies. The authors conduct a literature review of energy use in food systems, synthesizing evidence on drivers, trends, and efficiency opportunities. They find a lack of research on energy performance in developing countries and warn that rising energy dependencies amid price volatility and fossil fuel scarcity pose risks.

Abstract

The relationships between energy use in food systems, food system productivity, and energy resource constraints are complex. Moreover, ongoing changes in food production and consumption norms concurrent with urbanization, globalization, and demographic changes underscore the importance of energy use in food systems as a food security concern. Here, we review the current state of knowledge with respect to the energy intensity of agriculture and food systems. We highlight key drivers and trends in food system energy use along with opportunities for and constraints on improved efficiencies. In particular, we point toward a current dearth of research with respect to the energy performance of food systems in developing countries and provide a cautionary note vis-à-vis increasing food system energy dependencies in the light of energy price volatility and concerns as to long-term fossil energy availabilities.