French non-profit Solagro has released an English version of this report, which presents the Afterres2050 scenario: a bottom-up assessment of the future of the French food system. The scenario was developed in consultation with farmers, foresters, nutritionists, community representatives, etc. as well as a multidisciplinary scientific council.
The key features of the Afterres2050 scenario include:
- A reduction in meat, milk and fish consumption, such that around 60% of protein in human diets comes from plants and 40% from animal products (compared to 61% from animal products now); higher consumption of cereals, legumes and nuts.
- Widespread use of agroecological farming techniques, such as permanent soil cover, no ploughing, organic agriculture and agroforestry.
- An increase in forest area and a stable area of natural permanent grasslands.
- Decreased meat and milk production; more sheep; stable numbers of mixed bovine herds (i.e. producing both meat and milk); fewer specialised bovine herds, particularly those specialising in milk production; greater focus on grazing systems for cattle instead of feeding with concentrates.
- A two- to three-fold reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, fertiliser use and water consumption by crops, through the spread of currently known best practices.
- A three-fold increase in bioenergy production.
Read the full report, The Afterres2050 scenario 2016 version, here or here (PDF link). See also the Foodsource chapter How can we reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions?
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