The business case for rewilding and creating edible forest.
The starting point for this theory of change is the recognition that our current food systems are heavily reliant on a small number of crops, which can lead to monoculture and a lack of biodiversity. This lack of diversity can have negative impacts on the environment, such as soil degradation and the loss of natural habitats. It can also make our food systems more vulnerable to disruptions, such as pests and diseases, which can have serious consequences for global food security.
To address these issues, innovative product development (and the financial machinery of impact VCs and more behind it), should aim to utilize underutilized crops, which have the potential to add gastronomic value and diversify our food systems. These crops often have unique flavors and nutritional profiles, making them attractive to consumers and providing a new source of income for farmers. By creating a market demand for these crops, the project hopes to incentivize farmers to grow them, supporting a more sustainable and diverse food system.
However, there is a risk that this demand could lead to the conversion of natural habitats, such as forests, into agricultural land. This can have significant environmental impacts, including the loss of important ecological services and the destruction of vital habitats for wildlife. To mitigate this risk, innovative product development in the heart of agricultural communities should aim to support rewilding efforts by using creativity as a tool to give commercial value to an edible forest. This can include developing innovative products made from forest-grown ingredients or promoting the use of forest products in culinary experiences. By giving commercial value to the edible forest ecosystem, the hope is to create an incentive to preserve and restore these natural habitats, rather than converting them to agricultural land.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of this approach, it is important to have a diverse range of crops and products within the edible forest ecosystem. This can be achieved by rotating crops or introducing new species over time. By following this process, the project can create a virtuous cycle in which the success of one farming product leads to the success of another, ultimately supporting the rewilding of our natural habitats. This diversified approach can also make the edible forest ecosystem more resilient to disruptions, such as changes in weather patterns or pest outbreaks, helping to safeguard our food supply in the long term.
Overall, this theory of change proposes a holistic approach to addressing the challenges of our current food systems, utilizing underutilized crops to add gastronomic value and support a more diverse and sustainable food system, while also using creativity as a tool to give commercial value to an edible forest and support rewilding efforts. We believe these efforts can contribute to the creation of a healthier and more resilient food system that benefits both people and the environment.
