The idea of achieving a better production, not necessarily more It has become central to many agricultural and natural resource management strategies worldwide. It's not just about increasing yields per hectare, but about doing so wisely: making better use of water, fertilizers, and technology, reducing costs, and protecting the environment. In this context, international organizations and real-world field projects are demonstrating that it's possible to increase efficiency, resilience, and sustainability without resorting to excessive input use.
This vision fits perfectly with the FAO's new framework for action, with experiences in combating illegal fishing, and with the practical strategies to improve agricultural productivity data-based, innovation and intelligent soil managementWater and biodiversity. Throughout this article, we will weave all these pieces together to show how we are moving from a model of "more at any cost" to one of "better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life."
FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031: Producing better within the limits of the planet
Since 2010, all FAO work has been based on a Long-term strategic frameworkDesigned for periods of between 10 and 15 years and reviewed every four years, the current Strategic Framework 2022-2031 has been developed by thoroughly analyzing the major global and regional challenges related to food, agriculture and agri-food systems, including the impact of COVID-19.
The central objective is clear: to support the 2030 Agenda by promoting a profound transformation towards agri-food systems More efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. It's not simply about increasing production, but about doing so while respecting the economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and ensuring that no one is left behind, from small producers to least developed countries.
The improvements proposed in this Strategic Framework reflect the interconnections between economy, society and environment within agri-food systems. This implies that every FAO intervention must follow a systemic approach, where productivity is not measured solely by volume, but also by the quality of employment, the conservation of natural resources, gender equality, and resilience to health, climate, or economic crises.
To put this vision into practice, the FAO has defined 20 priority programmatic areas These areas identify the greatest needs and the conditions that must be created to trigger structural changes. They are directly linked to specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that each project makes a tangible contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
In addition, four large transverse “accelerators” are incorporated: technology, innovation, data and complementary factors (governance, human capital, and institutions). These accelerators are applied across all programmatic interventions to multiply impact, minimize necessary trade-offs, and accelerate the transition to more sustainable systems.
The formulation of the 2022-2031 Strategic Framework was not done behind closed doors. It emerged from a inclusive and transparent processThe process involved extensive internal and external consultations, governing body sessions, and informal meetings with Member States and other key stakeholders. It was also guided by FAO’s own strategic foresight analysis, which seeks to anticipate challenges, threats, and opportunities for agri-food transformation in the coming decades.
This new framework includes a detailed analysis of the global trends and challenges These challenges will shape food and agriculture in the coming years: from climate change and soil degradation to biodiversity loss, rapid urbanization, and inequality in access to productive resources. The aim is to improve understanding of these challenges and ensure they are addressed appropriately in the Organization's work.
Another key focus is the new vision promoted by the Director-General, who conceives of FAO as a dynamic and innovative organization in a context of complex and interrelated challenges. In this scenario, food, agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, people's well-being, and the conservation of natural resources cannot be treated as isolated compartments.
The main organizing principle established is the so-called four improvementsBetter production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better lives. These four dimensions explain how FAO intends to support the 2030 Agenda and reflect, once again, the connections between economic, social, and environmental aspects, fostering a strategic and systems-centered approach. The commitment to a better environment It is key to moving towards more sustainable production.
Furthermore, the coherence between the FAO results framework and the 20 priority programmatic areas in the context of the 2030 Agenda. All of this is based on the SDGs, with a special focus on the most relevant goals for the Organization's mandate in the areas of food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.
The Strategic Framework also incorporates the idea of “new normal“stemming from the global COVID-19 crisis and other future risks and uncertainties. FAO defines a clear approach to mobilize its technical expertise and actively participate in the international response to pandemics and global shocks, adapting its interventions to a changing global landscape.
Better production, not more: a real-world example in the fight against IUU fishing
The philosophy of producing better, not just more, is also reflected in the way problems such as the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishingThis destructive practice can ruin the livelihoods of fishing communities, compromise food security and nutrition, damage marine biodiversity, and distort local and international trade.
Illegal, unregulated (IUU) fishing is frequently linked to dangerous and undignified working conditionsexploitation of workers and, in some cases, serious crimes such as human trafficking or money laundering. Therefore, the response cannot be limited to producing more fish, but must include ensuring that the catch comes from legal, safe, and sustainable activities.
With FAO support, numerous countries are coordinating to combat IUU fishing and have registered important advancesA central piece of this strategy is the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), designed to prevent vessels involved in illegal activities from using ports and landing their catches.
The spirit of the AMERP is simple but powerful: if port access is blocked for vessels engaged in IUU fishing, their profits are drastically reduced. economic incentives And it protects the conservation and long-term sustainable use of living marine resources and associated ecosystems. In this way, it prioritizes better regulated, traceable, and fair fisheries production, rather than simply increasing the volume caught.
A particularly illustrative case is that of Guinea, which, in close collaboration with the FAO and as part of the growing list of signatory countries of the AMERP, has carried out a great effort to implement the agreement effectivelyIn just two years since joining, Guinea has become one of the most active states in the fight against IUU fishing and has succeeded in getting the European Union to lift the trade sanctions that weighed on its fishing sector.
This type of progress has profound repercussions: moving towards the eradication of illegal fishing, country by countryIt contributes to safeguarding marine biodiversity, protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities, promoting fairer trade, and strengthening food security. That a least developed country has made such a significant leap demonstrates the transformative potential of the AMERP and how better production management can generate benefits far greater than simply increasing catches.
Precision agriculture: producing better by optimizing water, nutrients and data
In the agricultural sector, the commitment to a better production no more Precision agriculture is one of its strongest pillars. The major challenge today is not only to increase yields, but to do so while optimizing resources, reducing costs, and committing to sustainable production systems that do not deplete soil or water resources.
One of the first levers of change is the efficient management of water and nutrientsIntelligent irrigation systems, such as high-efficiency drip irrigation, allow water to be delivered directly to the plant's root zone, minimizing losses due to evaporation or runoff. Well-designed, these systems can save up to 40% of water compared to traditional methods without sacrificing yield.
In parallel, the fertilization It ceases to be something done "by eye" and becomes based on soil analysis and the actual condition of the crops. Applying controlled-release fertilizers, adjusting doses and application times, and relying on precision technologies allows for this. make better use of each unit of nutrient applied, reduce environmental impact and maintain long-term soil fertility.
Tools like the AT32 soil sensorThese devices, capable of measuring humidity, temperature, and salinity in real time, help answer key questions: when to water, how much water to apply, how to prevent salinization problems, and how to detect nutrient deficiencies early. The key is to water and fertilize when needed and in the right amount, instead of overdoing it for fear of not applying enough.
Another basic step is to detect and correct in time the soil deficienciesA well-planned sampling, with differentiated zones, allows us to determine texture, structure, pH, and chemical composition, thus identifying limitations that hinder the crop's potential: compaction, specific deficiencies, organic matter problems, etc. Based on this data, it is possible to personalize fertilization, adjust amendments, improve soil structure, and increase the soil's capacity to retain water and release nutrients.
Solutions like the LINK transmitter, which integrates multiple sensors distributed across the plot and sends the data to a digital platform, help to have a global view of batch behaviorWith this information, it is possible to intervene in a differentiated way, investing more where there is potential for improvement and avoiding over-application where the crop is already at its optimal point.
Monitoring, automation and integrated management: keys to smarter production
Continuous crop monitoring is another pillar of a More efficient and profitable agricultural productionThe use of drones equipped with multispectral cameras or other advanced sensors makes it possible to anticipate problems of water stress, pests, diseases or nutritional deficiencies before they are visible to the naked eye.
These drones generate vigor maps and other indices that pinpoint critical areas, where action should be taken as soon as possible to prevent yield losses. In this way, farmers shift from a reactive approach (acting only when the problem is already evident) to a preventative, data-driven approach, resulting in fewer losses and better-managed costs.
In combination with drones, the use of environmental sensors Instruments like the MET3, capable of measuring temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure, allow for the calculation of vapor pressure deficit and evapotranspiration. This enables the adjustment of irrigation schedules, the prediction of heat or cold stress episodes, and the modeling of the risk of developing certain fungal or bacterial diseases.
This information, integrated into management platforms, facilitates daily decision-making based on solid technical data: how many irrigations to apply, what amount of water to use, whether to bring forward or delay a phytosanitary treatment, or whether it is preferable to opt for non-chemical preventive measures at a certain moment.
Within this approach is framed the integrated pest and disease managementRather than routine fumigation, it's about combining tactics: preventative measures (crop rotation, resistant varieties, habitat management), biological control, rational use of chemicals only when damage levels exceed economic thresholds, and continuous monitoring of the situation in the field.
Leaf and soil moisture sensors, along with predictive models, help anticipate disease outbreaks and schedule treatments more precisely: neither too late, when the damage is already done, nor too early, wasting product. All of this fits with the idea of protect the crop with the least possible environmental and economic impact.
Climate adaptation is another crucial aspect. Adjusting planting dates and densities, choosing varieties more tolerant to water or heat stress, and modifying management practices according to weather forecasts and historical records allows for... reduce vulnerability to droughts, extreme rainfall or frostsReviewing calendars annually and developing contingency plans is becoming mandatory rather than optional.
Classical methods, best practices, and exhaustive performance control
Beyond high technology, there are classic practices that remain fundamental to achieving a solid and stable agricultural productionOne of them is the use of high-quality seeds, from well-selected and tested lots, adapted to the local environment and with good agronomic performance.
Quality seeds offer greater uniformity, vigor, and resistance, reducing germination failures and improving plants' ability to withstand stress. Although they represent a slightly higher initial cost, in the long run they contribute to increase crop productivity and stability.
Fertilization management must also be rigorous. Apply the proper amount of the correct fertilizer It is as important as the decision to fertilize itself. Excesses of certain nutrients, especially nitrogen, are not only an economic waste, but can also promote diseases, pests, and groundwater contamination problems.
Different crops, soils, and climates require different combinations of nutrients, making research and planning of fertilization strategies essential. Adjusting dosage, application method (fertigation, base dressing, topdressing, etc.), and timing is key to ensuring fertilizers become a factor in crop success. Better production, not more spending.
Good agricultural practices encompass many actions, from crop rotation and plant residue management to the use of reduced tillage, cover crops, and biological pest control. When properly implemented, these techniques improve crop yields. soil and agroecosystem healthThey reduce dependence on external inputs and help maintain high levels of performance.
Irrigation, for its part, is not just about having water, but about managing it precisely. Properly designing the system, maintaining it in good condition, checking pressure and uniformity, and adapting irrigation schedules to the actual needs of the crop allows for... maximize production per cubic meter of water, an increasingly relevant indicator in contexts of water scarcity.
Another key element is pest control. Beyond the use of chemicals, the biological control and effective monitoring They help maintain pest populations at acceptable levels. Introducing or encouraging natural predators, establishing monitoring traps, and acting only when economic thresholds justify it avoids unnecessary treatments and protects the crop's functional biodiversity.
Constant monitoring of performance and detailed record-keeping are often the difference between improvisation and effective management. Recording production data, pest infestations, irrigation and fertilization dates, costs, and results allows for... Identify patterns, failures, and opportunities for improvementOver time, these records become a valuable tool for making decisions for each campaign.
Production, performance and productivity: looking beyond kilos
When we talk about “producing better, not more”, it is important to clearly distinguish between production, performance and productivityProduction is, in essence, the total amount obtained on a given surface: kilos per hectare in open field or kilos per square meter in greenhouse.
Performance, however, introduces the variable of costs. Analyzing performance involves subtracting direct and indirect production costs from gross revenue to determine the cost per kilo produced And ultimately, the profitability of the crop. It's possible to have high production but a terrible economic return if costs have skyrocketed.
Productivity goes a step further, relating economic results to the resources usedWater, labor, energy, machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. High production with disproportionate water and fertilizer costs can imply poor productivity, while somewhat lower production but with highly optimized costs can be much more attractive.
Therefore, modern strategies aim not only to increase final yields but also to improve the relationship between production and resources. Optimizing irrigation, refining fertilization, introducing technological innovations, and improving farm management are all ways to increase yields. economic performance and overall productivitywhich is what truly sustains long-term exploitation.
Managing agricultural production from a sustainable development perspective includes practices such as crop rotation To maintain soil fertility, the use of pest- and disease-resistant varieties and the conservation of key natural resources such as water, biodiversity, and soil structure are essential. All of this reduces risks, minimizes future costs, and strengthens the resilience of the production system.
Farmer training, especially for small producers, is a decisive factor. Farms with access to technical training and consulting They are more likely to adopt practices that improve their productivity and reduce costs, taking better advantage of market opportunities and managing investments more wisely.
Soil microbiota, biological inputs, and advanced management strategies
In recent years, a more integrative vision of agriculture, based on the management of soil microbiota and the gradual reduction of dependence on chemical fertilizers. The goal is not to produce less, but to produce better by relying on biological processes that provide stability and resilience to the system.
Enriching the soil micro, macro and mesobiota by organic amendmentsConservation agriculture techniques or the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms allow for a reduction in the doses of synthetic inputs without losing productivity. Some systems propose decreasing planting density by around 30% and cutting back on chemical fertilization, relying more on natural processes. soil biological activity to release and cycle nutrients.
For this strategy to work, it is essential to strengthen the presence of rhizophilic bacteria and other microorganisms that promote nutrient bioavailability. The application of living bionosodes And microbial consortia that include, for example, Firmicutes and Alphaproteobacteria can significantly improve plant nutrition and agroecosystem stability, reducing the need for external inputs.
Biochemical strategies are also being explored, such as the use of alkaloids and other natural substances to stimulate germination and crop resistance. The use of mother tinctures (MTs) of plants with specific properties is another promising approach to increase the capacity to respond to biotic and abiotic stress without immediately resorting to synthetic products.
Managing temperature and climate stress is another area where innovative solutions are being developed. The use of solar filters, enzymes that induce systemic resistance, and silica nanopreparations, combined with structures such as greenhouses equipped with shade netting, can reduce temperature and cushion heat strokesimproving production stability.
Soil structure remains a crucial element. Incorporating microorganisms, compost tea, and humic and fulvic acids helps improve porosity, infiltration, and water and nutrient retention capacity. In soils with high salinity, the use of halophytic plants It can contribute to the recovery and improvement of productive conditions, opening the door to a more sustainable use of these areas.
Data analysis is increasingly integrated into these advanced strategies. Collecting and processing information on soil quality, climate, historical yields, and response to different management practices allows for precise adjustments to these practices and make evidence-based decisionsreducing uncertainty.
Finally, collective organization and infrastructure are elements that cannot be overlooked. Joining associations or cooperatives facilitates access to inputs, technologies, and markets under better conditions, while investing in storage, transportation and distribution It reduces post-harvest losses and improves efficiency throughout the entire value chain.
This whole set of approaches—from FAO's global strategic planning to fine-tuning irrigation, precision fertilization, soil microbiota care, and combating practices like IUU fishing—shows that moving towards a better production, not necessarily moreIt is possible and, above all, necessary. Building agri-food systems that generate adequate yields, respect natural resources, and guarantee decent livelihoods requires combining public policy, science, innovation, and field experience, piece by piece, campaign by campaign.
