Published in Nature Portfolio, FABLE Greece researchers show how cutting post-harvest food losses, paired with broader supply- and demand-side policies, can lower production costs, improve supply-chain efficiency, and support agriculture's transition to net-zero.
This policy brief presents insights from five years of stakeholder engagement by FABLE country teams working at the science-policy interface to develop long-term pathways for sustainable food and land-use systems. Drawing on a survey and in-depth interviews, it highlights what has worked, what has proven challenging, and how researchers can strengthen their approach for greater policy impact.
The latest FABLE policy brief explores equity and fairness in reducing agricultural emissions for global sustainability. It applies approaches based on historical responsibility, ability to pay, and population size to estimate fair allowances for emissions by 2050. The analysis highlights the importance of equity frameworks to foster cross-sectoral dialogue and build a common vision for climate action in food and land-use systems.
Using integrated modelling, the latest paper by FABLE India and PIK researchers finds that India’s locally recommended NIN diet outperforms the EAT-Lancet diet on several indicators, including reduced emissions, lower food prices, and water savings—highlighting the importance of region-specific strategies for sustainable dietary transitions.
The EU’s land-based carbon removal ambitions, especially BECCS, may place heavy socioenvironmental burdens on countries like Brazil. This scenario analysis shows significant land demands and associated risks, including deforestation and displacement. These findings highlight the need for just, transparent, and inclusive global CDR strategies that avoid green neo-colonialism and respect Global South equity.
Russia’s 2030 development goals include increasing agricultural output by 25% from 2021 levels, focusing on dairy. Milk production is targeted at 39 million tons annually. Using the GLOBIOM model, projections show possible gains in crops, milk, and meat, with GHG emissions reduced by 5%. Some regions may become carbon sinks, while others risk higher emissions.
Shifting to healthier global diets like the Mediterranean or EAT-Lancet diets can improve nutrition, reduce water use, and boost food affordability by 2070. But early transitions may increase water use and worsen food affordability, especially in developing countries. This study highlights the importance of long-term planning and financial support to make sustainable diets work for everyone.
This brief introduces a conceptual and methodological framework to support the integration of resilience indicators into agrifood system (AFS) models, particularly FABLE pathways. As AFSs face increasing shocks from climate and ecosystem disruptions, building resilience is critical to avoid crises that threaten food security, health, and livelihoods. The paper offers an initial approach to guide decision-makers and modellers in navigating trade-offs in production and public policy.
This study, commissioned by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), explores EU agri-food system transformation using three tools: SDG Index indicators, FABLE’s model-based scenarios for 2030 and 2050, and expert surveys conducted with the EESC. Recommendations include effective multistakeholder engagement, concerted international action, and demand-side measures.
As part of FAO’s flagship State of the Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2024 report, Value-Driven Transformation of Agrifood Systems, FABLE produced a background study that provides a deep dive on the hidden costs of agrifood systems in six countries: Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and the United Kingdom.
Ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) in Cali, the FABLE Consortium calls on Parties to the CBD to co-develop, through inter-agency dialogue and cooperation informed by research, integrated roadmaps that simultaneously address the food and land use system drivers of biodiversity loss, malnutrition, and climate change.
A recent policy brief by FABLE India examines India's 2018 Biofuel Policy and its impact on food and environmental indicators. The study evaluates different sugarcane-based feedstock mixtures to meet the ethanol blend mandate through three alternative pathways up to 2050, and explains how diversifying ethanol sources from molasses to sugarcane juice offers the most benefits.
In a recent paper published in Nature Sustainability, researchers from FABLE Norway explore the complexities of sustainability within the food system, focusing on ruminant production and consumption as an example. The paper proposes ways forward in line with global and national climate, environment and health targets as well as important local values.
In a scientific publication on Nature Food, members of FABLE China propose holistic food system innovation strategies to reduce China's reliance on protein imports and enhance global environmental sustainability.
The FABLE Consortium presents new pathways for food and land-use systems in 22 countries, 6 regions, and globally. These pathways are the result of the 2023 Scenathon, a decentralized global modelling exercise involving 89 researchers worldwide. The findings are highlighted in the 9th edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
The Gambia faces significant food availability issues due to low agricultural productivity. The FABLE Calculator was used to explore actions to reduce the food supply-demand gap by 2050. The results, published in Food Security, reveal that current cropland will not meet food demand by 2050. Solutions include improved fertilizer use, sustainable irrigation, and climate-resilient crops, coupled with supportive policies.
FABLE analyzes UN Food Systems Pathways across 18 countries, and provides recommendations to integrate these pathways with quantitative trajectories. While the UNFS pathways prioritize food and nutrition security and economic development over climate and biodiversity, they also highlight areas where FABLE tools need further development.
In an article published in Russian Meteorology and Hydrology, the lead of FABLE Russia analyzes carbon stock variations in Russian cropland soils at a regional scale, and finds slight net gains, driven by plant residues. This finding underscores a potential for crop production to contribute to carbon sequestration efforts.
In an article published in Science of The Total Environment, authors from FABLE China explore the driving forces behind the 'pollution hotspots' linked to pig production, and the opportunities for reduction.
FABLE India and PIK employ the MAgPIE model to study policies for alleviating water resource strain. The paper published in Environmental Research Letters, reveals potential for raising energy prices in agriculture with minimal impacts on production and trade while reducing water withdrawals by 2050.
Reducing post-harvest food losses as a pathway towards net-zero agriculture: socioeconomic and environmental insights from FABLE modeling
Published in Nature Portfolio, FABLE Greece researchers show how cutting post-harvest food losses, paired with broader supply- and demand-side policies, can lower production costs, improve supply-chain efficiency, and support agriculture's transition to net-zero.
FABLE In-Country Stakeholder Engagement to Connect Modeling with Policy
This policy brief presents insights from five years of stakeholder engagement by FABLE country teams working at the science-policy interface to develop long-term pathways for sustainable food and land-use systems. Drawing on a survey and in-depth interviews, it highlights what has worked, what has proven challenging, and how researchers can strengthen their approach for greater policy impact.
Fair contributions to reduce global GHG emissions from agriculture
The latest FABLE policy brief explores equity and fairness in reducing agricultural emissions for global sustainability. It applies approaches based on historical responsibility, ability to pay, and population size to estimate fair allowances for emissions by 2050. The analysis highlights the importance of equity frameworks to foster cross-sectoral dialogue and build a common vision for climate action in food and land-use systems.
A comparison of the effects of local and EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations on selected economic and environmental outcomes in India
Using integrated modelling, the latest paper by FABLE India and PIK researchers finds that India’s locally recommended NIN diet outperforms the EAT-Lancet diet on several indicators, including reduced emissions, lower food prices, and water savings—highlighting the importance of region-specific strategies for sustainable dietary transitions.
Assessing potential implications of the EU's carbon dioxide removal strategy on Brazil's land ecosystems and local communities
The EU’s land-based carbon removal ambitions, especially BECCS, may place heavy socioenvironmental burdens on countries like Brazil. This scenario analysis shows significant land demands and associated risks, including deforestation and displacement. These findings highlight the need for just, transparent, and inclusive global CDR strategies that avoid green neo-colonialism and respect Global South equity.
Assessment of agricultural land use prospects based on a partial equilibrium model
Russia’s 2030 development goals include increasing agricultural output by 25% from 2021 levels, focusing on dairy. Milk production is targeted at 39 million tons annually. Using the GLOBIOM model, projections show possible gains in crops, milk, and meat, with GHG emissions reduced by 5%. Some regions may become carbon sinks, while others risk higher emissions.
Transitioning to healthy and sustainable diets has higher environmental and affordability trade-offs for emerging and developing economies
Shifting to healthier global diets like the Mediterranean or EAT-Lancet diets can improve nutrition, reduce water use, and boost food affordability by 2070. But early transitions may increase water use and worsen food affordability, especially in developing countries. This study highlights the importance of long-term planning and financial support to make sustainable diets work for everyone.
Laying the groundwork for modelling resilience in agrifood systems pathways
This brief introduces a conceptual and methodological framework to support the integration of resilience indicators into agrifood system (AFS) models, particularly FABLE pathways. As AFSs face increasing shocks from climate and ecosystem disruptions, building resilience is critical to avoid crises that threaten food security, health, and livelihoods. The paper offers an initial approach to guide decision-makers and modellers in navigating trade-offs in production and public policy.
Taking Stock of SDG 2 and Future Perspectives for the EU
This study, commissioned by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), explores EU agri-food system transformation using three tools: SDG Index indicators, FABLE’s model-based scenarios for 2030 and 2050, and expert surveys conducted with the EESC. Recommendations include effective multistakeholder engagement, concerted international action, and demand-side measures.
How to reduce agrifood systems' future hidden costs? A multi-country case study
As part of FAO’s flagship State of the Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2024 report, Value-Driven Transformation of Agrifood Systems, FABLE produced a background study that provides a deep dive on the hidden costs of agrifood systems in six countries: Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, and the United Kingdom.
Achieving global biodiversity targets requires shifting food and land use system trajectories
Ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16) in Cali, the FABLE Consortium calls on Parties to the CBD to co-develop, through inter-agency dialogue and cooperation informed by research, integrated roadmaps that simultaneously address the food and land use system drivers of biodiversity loss, malnutrition, and climate change.
India’s Biofuel Policy: Implications on GHG emissions and the agrifood system
A recent policy brief by FABLE India examines India's 2018 Biofuel Policy and its impact on food and environmental indicators. The study evaluates different sugarcane-based feedstock mixtures to meet the ethanol blend mandate through three alternative pathways up to 2050, and explains how diversifying ethanol sources from molasses to sugarcane juice offers the most benefits.
Ruminating on sustainable food systems in a net-zero world
In a recent paper published in Nature Sustainability, researchers from FABLE Norway explore the complexities of sustainability within the food system, focusing on ruminant production and consumption as an example. The paper proposes ways forward in line with global and national climate, environment and health targets as well as important local values.
Holistic food system innovation strategies can close up to 80% of China’s domestic protein gaps while reducing global environmental impacts
In a scientific publication on Nature Food, members of FABLE China propose holistic food system innovation strategies to reduce China's reliance on protein imports and enhance global environmental sustainability.
FABLE pathways for sustainable food and land-use systems
The FABLE Consortium presents new pathways for food and land-use systems in 22 countries, 6 regions, and globally. These pathways are the result of the 2023 Scenathon, a decentralized global modelling exercise involving 89 researchers worldwide. The findings are highlighted in the 9th edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Future food demand in The Gambia: can increased crop productivity and climate adaptation close the supply–demand gap?
The Gambia faces significant food availability issues due to low agricultural productivity. The FABLE Calculator was used to explore actions to reduce the food supply-demand gap by 2050. The results, published in Food Security, reveal that current cropland will not meet food demand by 2050. Solutions include improved fertilizer use, sustainable irrigation, and climate-resilient crops, coupled with supportive policies.
Integrating UN Food Systems pathways with quantitative trajectories
FABLE analyzes UN Food Systems Pathways across 18 countries, and provides recommendations to integrate these pathways with quantitative trajectories. While the UNFS pathways prioritize food and nutrition security and economic development over climate and biodiversity, they also highlight areas where FABLE tools need further development.
Balance approach for evaluating the carbon stock and the components of carbon footprint on croplands in Russian regions
In an article published in Russian Meteorology and Hydrology, the lead of FABLE Russia analyzes carbon stock variations in Russian cropland soils at a regional scale, and finds slight net gains, driven by plant residues. This finding underscores a potential for crop production to contribute to carbon sequestration efforts.
Impacts of subsidy policy on the spatial distribution of pig production and related nitrogen losses in China
In an article published in Science of The Total Environment, authors from FABLE China explore the driving forces behind the 'pollution hotspots' linked to pig production, and the opportunities for reduction.
Assessing policy options for sustainable water use in India's cereal production system
FABLE India and PIK employ the MAgPIE model to study policies for alleviating water resource strain. The paper published in Environmental Research Letters, reveals potential for raising energy prices in agriculture with minimal impacts on production and trade while reducing water withdrawals by 2050.