This analysis of population growth patterns and the environmental impact of food production discusses various conclusions and policy recommendations related to diet, organic agriculture, “humane-” and environmentally-friendly farming, and bioenergy through the year 2050.

A growing world population with increasing demands is putting enormous strain on the ecosystem to provide sufficient food and fuel for global sustainability. This study analyzes several major objectives for global food production and the trade-offs that result:

• Feeding the world fairly; reducing the divide between over-consumption and malnourishment in different geographies.
• Reducing environmental pressures from agriculture through the use of more eco-friendly practices and technologies.
• Reducing animal suffering through more humane methods of animal raising and slaughtering.
• Providing plant matter as a substitute for fossil fuels for sustainability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Protecting areas of high biodiversified values.

However, these objectives must be assessed based on several global trajectories which include:

• Growth in global population is likely to increase due to the increased global socioeconomic use of biomass for food and fiber.
• Growing affluence and attempts to alleviate world hunger will increase biomass demand.
• Climate change will have unpredictable agricultural consequences.

Using population and agricultural forecasts, this study constructs a biomass-balance model to develop scenarios of supply and demand of biomass based on 2050 estimates of croplands, grazing areas, and yield.

In summary, the resulting feasibility studies conclude that:

• The inclusion of animal products in the human diet has a strong impact on the environment. Efforts to reduce the level of consumption would benefit the environment, animal welfare, biodiversity, and bioenergy potential.
• Organic agriculture can likely feed a world population of 9.2 billion in 2050 if modest diets are adopted and there is less inequity in food distribution to avoid malnutrition.
• Humane practices and rearing of “organic” farm animals do not jeopardize food security.
• Future bioenergy potentials are currently unrealistic and should be lowered. The number of farmed animals on grazing areas can significantly effect bioenergy potential in 2050.