Conclusions

This issue of The State of Food and Agriculture has examined the role of agriculture in the provision of ecosystem services. These include all outputs from agricultural activities, ranging from food production to climate regulation. Many of these services are provided only as externalities; that is, they are unintended consequences of the production of food or fibre. These services, which we refer to as environmental services, are normally not compensated for. Therefore farmers lack incentives to supply them in the desired quantity.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Responsible Consumption and Production

Decent Work and Economic Growth