In the heart of Spain, a group of researchers is challenging the agricultural sector to think differently about sustainability and resilience. Carlos Garbisu, a leading figure from the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources at NEIKER—Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, and part of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), has published a thought-provoking article in *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems*. The piece, titled “An agricultural perspective on One Health,” explores the intricate dance between human, animal, plant, and environmental health, and how agriculture can both benefit from and contribute to the One Health approach.
The One Health concept is not new, but its application to agriculture is gaining traction. Garbisu and his colleagues argue that agroecosystems, with their complex web of interactions, are ideal candidates for demonstrating the power of One Health. “Agroecosystems are highly-managed socio-ecological systems,” Garbisu explains. “They are perfect laboratories for implementing One Health Living Labs, where we can test and refine strategies to sustainably balance and optimize the four health spheres.”
So, what does this mean for the agriculture sector? For starters, it’s a call to arms for farmers and researchers to collaborate more closely. By adopting a One Health approach, farmers can make more informed decisions about practices like pesticide use, organic amendments, and biodiversity conservation. These decisions can have significant commercial impacts, from reducing input costs to enhancing crop yields and improving market access for sustainably produced goods.
The article also highlights the role of agriculture in addressing global challenges like antibiotic resistance. “Agriculture is a key player in the One Health arena,” Garbisu asserts. “By managing our agroecosystems holistically, we can help mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and other health threats.”
The research suggests that the future of agriculture lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. By embracing the One Health approach, the sector can become more resilient, better equipped to weather the storms of climate change, and more capable of meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population. It’s a bold vision, but one that Garbisu and his colleagues believe is not only achievable but essential.
As the world grapples with the interconnected challenges of health, sustainability, and food security, this research offers a timely reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of thinking holistically. For the agriculture sector, it’s an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating the benefits of One Health, and in the process, secure a more sustainable and profitable future.
Published in *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems*, the article is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of agriculture and the role it can play in promoting health and sustainability.