About Green Jobs in Food Systems
The demand for green jobs is now and it is increasing at a fast pace. Why? Because we need green jobs!
Any job has the potential to be a green job!
In this article, I discuss green jobs in the food system, why they are important, some emerging areas, and very importantly, if it is worth it for you.
The International Labour Organization, ILO, says 24million green jobs will be created by 2030. And this will offset a loss of 6million jobs in other sectors. You’d better be fast.
“Green jobs are decent jobs that contribute to preserve or restore the environment, be they in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction, or in new, emerging green sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.”
What then are green jobs in food systems?
In the context of food systems,
a green job is a job that contributes to the preservation or restoration of the food system.
It considers the environmental, social and economic aspects of all operations.
The food system includes all the activities related to the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. And green jobs can be found at any stage of the system, from farm to fork.
Some examples of green jobs in food systems are:
- Food policy analyst who advocates for policies that supports sustainable food systems.
- Food waste manager who reduces, recovers or recycles food that is lost
- Urban farmer who grows food in city areas using sustainable practices
- Lawyer who supports legal issues for companies to make food systems more transparent
- Salesperson who works in the sales team of a firm fostering sustainable food production
- An entrepreneur with business focus sustainable food production
- Food educator who teaches people about topical food issues such as food security
And many many many more!
Is there even a need for green jobs in food systems?
Picture this: climate change knocking on our doors, water becoming scarce, and soil losing its magic touch.
If the world continues on this trajectory, what do you think could happen to your plate in the near future? Or maybe your great granddaughter’s?
Nature is incredible, with its intricate web of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Embracing biodiversity means supporting a healthy planet and diverse diets for everyone.
Additionally, we need to reduce food waste and food loss at any reasonable cost. Green jobs are a major way to contribute to these efforts.
Emerging green jobs in food systems
Recently, technology has raised the game for green jobs. Let’s unveil 3 of the emerging green areas that combine innovation and sustainability.
A. Agricultural technology
Agricultural technology uses various techniques and devices to improve agricultural output and efficiency. For instance, it can increase crop productivity, conserve water, reduce costs, etc.
Such technologies can involve sensors, robots, computers, satellites, drones, and software that help with tasks such as tilling, fertilizing, planting, harvesting, and pest control.
A few examples of agricultural technology are:
- Precision farming and AI applications: uses advanced technologies like sensors and drones to monitor crops’ health and optimize resource use. Artificial Intelligence (AI) analyzes data to make farming smarter and more efficient.
- Drones in agriculture: drones can scout fields, spray targeted treatments, and even plant seeds with incredible precision.
- Sensor technology for smart farming: imagine sensors that can “feel” the needs of plants and soil. Smart farming uses sensor technology to monitor everything from moisture levels to temperature, helping farmers make data-driven decisions.
B. Sustainable food product development
This area involves creating food products that meet the needs and preferences of consumers while minimizing the environmental and social impacts of food production and consumption.
Some examples of sustainable food production centered areas are:
- Plant-based food innovation: this definitely is no news anymore, so I suggest we move ahead, right?
- Alternative proteins: this field explores innovative sources like insects, algae, and lab-grown meats.
- Sustainable packaging solutions: are we really waving goodbye to plastics anytime soon? Hopefully! These solutions minimize or avoid the use of plastics in any form for packaging materials.
C. Food waste management
This involves handling and redirecting food and other agricultural products that are not used for relevant purposes such as human consumption, animal feed, industrial use, or environmental benefit. It thrives on strategies for prevention, recovery, recycling and then disposal (if really nothing else can be done).
Some examples of food waste management centered areas are:
- Composting and recycling initiatives: food scraps are like gold for the earth! Composting turns waste into nutrient-rich soil, while recycling initiatives find creative ways to repurpose food by-products.
- Food rescue and redistribution: no more ‘ugly’ fruits ending up on landfills. I’m sure you would want them to end up at a more meaningful destination.
- Anaerobic digestion for energy production: turn waste into energy! Anaerobic digestion uses microorganisms to break down organic matter and generate biogas, a renewable energy source for different applications.
Embracing careers in these emerging areas means playing a vital role in transforming our food systems and nurturing the planet.
What is the earning potential?
Here comes the big question!
Green jobs can range from farmers who grow crops and raise animals using sustainable practices, to program coordinators who manage and implement projects that promote food sustainability, to sustainability executives who oversee the environmental impact of food production and consumption.
In fact, the scope of these jobs is simply wide so let’s focus on some of the core roles.
Remember that the salaries vary widely depending on factors like location, experience, education, skills and even ownership (of business).
According to Indeed.com, the national average salary for food sustainability jobs in the United States as of July 2023 ranges anywhere from $35,000 for simple, no experience, less technical roles to over $100,000 for more technical roles and those requiring experience.
For instance, a food security specialist could earn $54,000 while a crop manager could earn $75,000 and a sustainability consultant could be doing over $80,000. These are annual figures. If interested in entrepreneurship, such roles could earn you over $80,000 a year as well. It all depends on the factors mentioned earlier.
Please remember that green jobs in the food system are not strictly about organic farming or plant-based food or other core aspects. Any job has the potential to become a green job. A legal practice in a firm that provides education on food security issues can be adequately considered a green job.
So, in summary,
Green jobs are a great way to apply your skills and expertise to fostering a resilient and sustainable food system for everyone. They offer a variety of opportunities and can provide a sense of satisfaction. Even though you may think of green jobs as specific, any kind of job has the potential to be a green job depending on its application.
Say hello to a more efficient food system with your green job!
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