Food systems around the world are facing strain as populations grow, natural resources become more limited, and climate patterns shift. Sustainability in agriculture matters. Unsustainable practices can have serious, long-lasting effects on the environment and local communities.
Let’s look at eggs as a prime example of how unsustainable practices can impact food prices. In 2024 and 2025, over 90 million birds were infected with avian flu. Large commercial farms often house thousands of birds of the same species together, and the spread of disease is stopped by culling all birds in a flock that has potentially been exposed to the disease. With millions of birds gone from the supply chain, prices skyrocketed to over $8 per dozen eggs in early 2025.
The problem isn’t confined to animal agriculture. Unsustainable practices can lead to a lack of resilience amongst both livestock and crops, as well as an overreliance on chemical solutions like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This can eventually lead to failed crops and devastating effects on local communities and natural spaces. On the customers’ end, it can result in massive price fluctuations and food shortages.
To prevent this from happening, the agricultural industry is moving toward a more sustainable future by investing in practices that will lead to affordable food for all.
Short-Term Investments: Why Sustainable Agriculture Can Be Challenging
If sustainable practices help keep the food supply chain stable, then why aren’t all farmers using them?
Money.
Farmers across the world are already facing skyrocketing costs that outpace their income. In the state of Washington, for example, farmers lost nearly $300 million in take-home pay in 2024.
Many farmers are interested in introducing innovative ways to make their farming practices more sustainable. However, the reality is that they require farmers to spend thousands of dollars up front on new equipment and technology. This can eat into the bottom line and increase the price of products at market, at least initially.
Sustainability in agriculture also involves a certain level of uncertainty. Farmers may not see immediate results from their investments, so it can be a risky decision to make in an industry that’s already impacted by slim profit margins.
The biggest challenge in moving toward a more sustainable future is taking that first step forward and investing money in innovative new practices.
More Efficient Water Use
Water is one of, if not, the most important resources in the agricultural industry. Around 70 percent of Earth’s freshwater withdrawals annually are used for agricultural purposes.
But not all of it is used efficiently. Up to 40 percent of this water is ultimately wasted through inefficient irrigation systems and low-quality soil that’s unable to retain water.
Conserving freshwater is critical, especially as the population around the world grows. Without sustainable practices in place, the freshwater supply is negatively impacted, directly affecting communities.
Farmers are increasingly using irrigation equipment that monitors soil moisture levels and delivers water only when it’s needed. This reduces overwatering or underwatering, as well as crop losses.
Reducing Use of Pesticides
While broad-spectrum pesticides are effective at killing off pests, they can also harm beneficial insects. Over time, excessive pesticide usage can even lead to resistance, forcing farmers to find different solutions.
Integrated pest management (IPM) uses intentional tactics to target specific pests while minimizing environmental impact and reducing harm to beneficial species. This includes methods like monitoring pest populations, rotating crops, only applying pesticides when necessary, and introducing natural predators.
Managing Soil Health
Healthy soil is more resilient and grows stronger, more nutritious crops. It retains water better, reducing the need for excessive irrigation and lowering water and energy costs. Over time, farmers are able to rely less on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
There are many ways for farmers to improve the quality of their soil, such as:
- Crop rotation
- Cover cropping
- Reduced- or no-tilling methods
Reducing Waste
Up to 40 percent of all food in the US is wasted. Some crops are lost in the field, others during storage, and some during transportation, but sustainable practices can help reduce or reuse waste.
Improved harvesting techniques, composting waste, better storage systems, and more efficient transportation all help food make it safely from farm to table.
Long-Term Payoff: Savings for Farmers and Consumers
Sustainability in agriculture doesn’t magically work overnight. Farmers may not see the impact of their sustainable practices right away, and in some cases, those initial investments can contribute to slightly higher prices in the short term.
Focusing only on initial costs misses the bigger picture. Over time, a continued adherence to sustainable practices can lead to:
- Lower production costs
- More stable supply chains
- Greater efficiency
- Reduced waste
- More nutritious crops
Lower Costs for Farmers
Once farmers make the initial investment into sustainable systems, many begin to see their savings grow over time.
For example, Washington state farmers have invested heavily in sustainable practices, and it has paid off. Washington farms have a lower carbon footprint and higher yields than many other regions worldwide.
With less money being spent on water, energy, fertilizers, and pesticides, farms become more profitable. And with less pressure to raise prices just to stay afloat, farmers can continue to remain competitive.
More Stable Prices for Consumers
As we saw in 2025 with egg prices, it’s hard for consumers to handle unpredictably soaring prices at the grocery store.
Sustainable practices reduce the chances of that happening. When supply chains are stable and production is consistent, there are fewer failed crops, resource shortages, and supply disruptions. That means fewer dramatic surprises for consumers at the grocery store.
Affordable food is more important than ever before. With 13.7 percent of all US households facing food insecurity in 2024, building a sustainable food system that stretches resources further is critical.
A More Stable Supply Chain
Sustainable decisions strengthen the entire supply chain, helping keep crops more consistent and reliable. More resilient soil, efficient water use, crop and animal diversity, and pest management all contribute to more consistent yields. This is especially important for crops and animal products that are supermarket staples, like potatoes, corn, and eggs. Consistency is key to keeping products available and affordable all year long.
