
Global study reveals farm diversification boosts environment and community without cutting yields
A major new study involving 2,655 farms across 11 countries shows diversified agriculture enhances biodiversity, social wellbeing and food security, winning a $1m Frontiers Planet Prize for sustainable farming research.
A groundbreaking global study published in Science this year has brought new clarity to the benefits of agricultural diversification, highlighting its positive impact on both growers and the environment. The research, in which Michigan State University Assistant Professor Olivia Smith played a key role, analysed an extensive dataset from 24 studies encompassing 2,655 farms across 11 countries on five continents. It found that adopting diversified practices in farming significantly enhances environmental health and social wellbeing without compromising food yields.
The study evaluated five specific diversification strategies: livestock diversification, crop diversification, soil conservation, water conservation, and the introduction of non-crop plantings such as hedgerows or flower strips. Its findings emphasize that farms employing multiple diversification techniques experienced better outcomes across a spectrum of social and environmental indicators. These included improvements in biodiversity and ecosystem services, enhanced food security, and increased human well-being within farming communities.
Professor Smith’s contribution, derived partly from her doctoral research conducted in the Pacific Northwest, focused on integrated crop-livestock systems on the West Coast of the United States. She underscored the value of combining environmental and social metrics in the analysis, pointing out that previous research often stopped at environmental considerations. “The social outcomes are also critical to consider,” she noted, reflecting on how diversified systems not only protect biodiversity but also support food access and reduce periods of hunger, especially among smallholder farmers.
The research team, comprising over 55 experts worldwide, received one of three prestigious international champion awards from the Frontiers Planet Prize. This accolade includes a $1 million grant intended to further scientific advances in sustainable agriculture at a scale crucial to addressing planetary boundaries and ensuring global food security. The prize, established by the Frontiers Research Foundation, aims to spotlight innovative and scalable scientific solutions that help maintain the balance of Earth’s ecosystems.
In addition to affirming the environmental benefits of diversification, the study revealed that increasing on-farm diversity does not come at the cost of crop yields, alleviating a common concern among farmers. This supports a transition to farming practices that more closely mimic natural ecosystems, promoting resilience and sustainability in food production pathways globally.
Building on the momentum of the study, Professor Smith is now collaborating with small-scale organic farms across Michigan—ranging from Grand Rapids to Detroit—to investigate how biodiversity can be further integrated to benefit production. This new research aligns with Michigan’s status as a leader in agricultural diversity, supporting over 300 commodities. The project is supported by several local organisations and MSU initiatives, aiming to extend the benefits of diversification to underserved farming communities.
Overall, the study marks a significant advancement in our understanding of how diversified agriculture can serve as a powerful tool for societal and environmental health, providing a scientific foundation for policy and practice aimed at a sustainable farming future.