11/07/2026
Advocacy Statement: Choosing Biodiversity, Food Safety, Agroecology, Organic and Regenerative Agriculture Over Increased Dependence on Glyphosate
The recent executive order by President Donald Trump promoting the production and availability of glyphosate-based herbicides represents a policy choice that prioritizes conventional agricultural production and supply-chain security. While its stated objective is to support farmers and strengthen agricultural productivity, it also raises important questions about the long-term sustainability of our food systems.
The Slow Food movement offers a different vision—one built on the principles of Good, Clean, and Fair. This philosophy recognizes that true food security depends not only on abundant harvests but also on healthy soils, clean water, rich biodiversity, safe food, resilient farming communities, and farming systems that work in harmony with nature.
At the heart of this vision is agroecology—an approach that applies ecological principles to agricultural production. Agroecology encourages diversified farming systems, the conservation of indigenous seeds, mixed cropping, agroforestry, biological pest management, crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and the efficient use of natural resources. It strengthens ecosystem resilience while reducing dependence on synthetic herbicides and fertilizers.
Biodiversity conservation is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. Pollinators, beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, indigenous crop varieties, medicinal plants, and native trees all contribute to productive and resilient farming systems. Agricultural systems that rely heavily on a single w**d-control strategy can contribute to reduced on-farm biodiversity and the development of herbicide-resistant w**ds, increasing dependence on additional chemical inputs. In contrast, biodiversity-rich farms naturally suppress pests, improve soil fertility, and enhance ecosystem stability.
Organic farming complements the Slow Food philosophy by avoiding synthetic herbicides, promoting natural soil fertility, encouraging biological pest control, and producing food with minimal chemical residues. Organic production protects water resources, conserves beneficial organisms, supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and helps restore the ecological balance essential for healthy food systems.
Regenerative farming goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring degraded ecosystems. Through practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, mulching, compost application, rotational grazing, agroforestry, and integrated w**d management, regenerative agriculture rebuilds soil organic matter, increases carbon sequestration, improves water retention, enhances biodiversity, and strengthens resilience to climate change. These practices demonstrate that high agricultural productivity can be achieved while restoring the health of the land.
Food safety should remain a central objective of agricultural policy. Regulatory authorities differ in their assessments of glyphosate's risks, and ongoing scientific debate underscores the importance of continued research, careful regulation, and responsible use. Consumers around the world increasingly seek food produced with fewer synthetic chemical inputs, reflecting growing demand for agricultural systems that safeguard both human health and environmental quality.
As members of the global Slow Food community, we believe agricultural policies should promote agroecological production, organic farming, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate-smart farming alongside scientific innovation. Public investment should prioritize farmer education, ecological w**d management, indigenous seed conservation, pollinator protection, soil restoration, water conservation, and research that advances sustainable food systems.
The future of agriculture lies not in increasing dependence on synthetic herbicides but in strengthening nature-based solutions that enhance productivity while protecting the environment. By embracing the Slow Food philosophy and investing in agroecology, organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity conservation, we can build food systems that are Good for people, Clean for the environment, and Fair to farmers. Such systems will ensure safe, nutritious food, healthy ecosystems, resilient rural livelihoods, and a sustainable future for generations to come.
Author:
Asade Elijah
ELACONS Beefarm and Agro Allied Services – Slow Food Farm, Nigeria
