IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i9p3792-d1640331.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Challenges and Opportunities for New Frontiers and Technologies to Guarantee Food Production

Author

Listed:
  • José Cleydson Ferreira Silva

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 1052 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611-0700, USA)

  • Kleiton Lima de Godoy Machado

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Campus Universitário, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil)

  • Anna Flavia de Souza Silva

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Protein Transition Department, Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Agora 1, P.O. Box 1528, 8934 CJ Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
    Food Technology Department, University of Applied Sciences van Hall, Larensteinselaan 26-A, 6882 CT Velp, The Netherlands)

  • Raquel Dias

    (Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 1052 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611-0700, USA)

  • Victor Ricardo Bodnar

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA)

  • Wallison Oliveira Vieira

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Departamento de Pesquisa Desenvolvimento e Inovação, Bioworld Soluções Regenerativas, Avenida José Conrado de Araújo, 731—Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão 49100-000, SE, Brazil
    Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Dois Irmãos, Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil)

  • Maria Alejandra Moreno-Pizani

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Instituto de Pesquisas e Educação Continuada em Economia e Gestão de Empresas (PECEGE), Piracicaba 13418-445, SP, Brazil)

  • Jenifer Dias Ramos

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Embrapa Meio Ambiente, Rodovia SP-340, Km 127.5, Jaguariúna 13918-110, SP, Brazil)

  • Ivani Pauli

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA)

  • Lucas Cavalcante da Costa

    (TFF Science Squad Brazil, The Thought for Food® Foundation, Birmingham, AL 35205-4009, USA
    Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Campus Capitão Poço, Capitão Poço 68650-000, PA, Brazil)

Abstract

The global food production sector is under immense pressure due to rapid population growth and climate change, demanding innovative solutions for food security and sustainability. This review explores innovative advancements in agriculture and food technology, from urban farming (e.g., vertical farming, aquaponics, and hydroponics) to regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity. We also examine food production in extreme environments, including desert agriculture and space agriculture, as well as advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology, that enable improved crop yields and nutrition. The transformative role of AI in precision farming, predictive analytics, and water management is highlighted, as well as the importance of bioproducts and eco-friendly innovations. Finally, we discuss the vital role of policy, regulation, and community-driven approaches in shaping a resilient global food system. Through the integration of technology with sustainable practices, this review aims to inspire research into solutions that ensure future food security while preserving our planet.

Suggested Citation

  • José Cleydson Ferreira Silva & Kleiton Lima de Godoy Machado & Anna Flavia de Souza Silva & Raquel Dias & Victor Ricardo Bodnar & Wallison Oliveira Vieira & Maria Alejandra Moreno-Pizani & Jenifer Dia, 2025. "Challenges and Opportunities for New Frontiers and Technologies to Guarantee Food Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3792-:d:1640331
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/3792/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/3792/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anran Xiao & Zeshui Xu & Marinko Skare & Yong Qin & Xinxin Wang, 2024. "Bridging the digital divide: the impact of technological innovation on income inequality and human interactions," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, December.
    2. P. Oel & A. Hoekstra, 2012. "Towards Quantification of the Water Footprint of Paper: A First Estimate of its Consumptive Component," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 26(3), pages 733-749, February.
    3. Manoj Kaushal & Mary Atieno & Sylvanus Odjo & Frederick Baijukya & Yosef Gebrehawaryat & Carlo Fadda, 2025. "Nature-Positive Agriculture—A Way Forward Towards Resilient Agrifood Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-25, January.
    4. Jüri Liiv & Mohamed Mefti & Morten Poolakese & Ergo Rikmann & Merrit Shanskiy, 2025. "Innovative Reforestation Strategies to Combat Desertification in Algeria: Insights from the Djelfa Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-15, January.
    5. Yin Su & Weijun Gao & Dongjie Guan & Tai’an Zuo, 2020. "Achieving Urban Water Security: a Review of Water Management Approach from Technology Perspective," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 34(13), pages 4163-4179, October.
    6. McGuire, James W., 2001. "Social Policy and Mortality Decline in East Asia and Latin America," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(10), pages 1673-1697, October.
    7. Daniela Sani & Sara Picone & Augusto Bianchini & Fabio Fava & Patricia Guarnieri & Jessica Rossi, 2021. "An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-23, January.
    8. Orou Sannou, Ramoudane & Guenther, Edeltraud, 2025. "Exploring the resource nexus between forest-based land restoration and food security: The case of the African great green wall initiative countries," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Arjen Y. Hoekstra, 2017. "Water Footprint Assessment: Evolvement of a New Research Field," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 31(10), pages 3061-3081, August.
    2. Casabonne, Ursula & Kenny, Charles, 2012. "The Best Things in Life are (Nearly) Free: Technology, Knowledge, and Global Health," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(1), pages 21-35.
    3. Li Yang & Yue Xu & Junqi Zhu & Keyu Sun, 2024. "Research on Water Ecological Resilience Measurement and Influencing Factors: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-23, August.
    4. Allison Lassiter & Nicole Leonard, 2022. "A systematic review of municipal smart water for climate adaptation and mitigation," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 49(5), pages 1406-1430, June.
    5. Daohan Huang & Zihao Shen & Chengshuang Sun & Guijun Li, 2021. "Shifting from Production-Based to Consumption-Based Nexus Governance: Evidence from an Input–Output Analysis of the Local Water-Energy-Food Nexus," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 35(6), pages 1673-1688, April.
    6. -, 2002. "Socio-demographic vulnerability: old and new risks for communities, households and individuals," Documentos de Proyectos 13054, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    7. D’Amato, D. & Li, N. & Rekola, M. & Toppinen, A. & Lu, F-F., 2015. "Linking forest ecosystem services to corporate sustainability disclosure: A conceptual analysis," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 14(C), pages 170-178.
    8. de Castro-Pardo, Mónica & Cabello, José Manuel & Martín, José María & Ruiz, Francisco, 2023. "A multi reference point based index to assess and monitor European water policies from a sustainability approach," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    9. Tom Celig & Tim Alvaro Ockenga & Detlef Schoder, 2025. "Distributional equality in Ethereum? On-chain analysis of Ether supply distribution and supply dynamics," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    10. Zongzhi Wang & Ailing Ye & Kelin Liu & Liting Tan, 2021. "Optimal Model of Desalination Planning Under Uncertainties in a Water Supply System," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 35(10), pages 3277-3295, August.
    11. Charles Kenny, 2009. "There's more to life than money: Exploring the levels|growth paradox in income and health," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(1), pages 24-41.
    12. Gauri, Varun, 2004. "Social Rights and Economics: Claims to Health Care and Education in Developing Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 465-477, March.
    13. Randy A. Becker, 2016. "Water Use and Conservation in Manufacturing: Evidence from U.S. Microdata," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 30(12), pages 4185-4200, September.
    14. Wenzhao Zhou & Yufei Wang & Xi Wang & Peng Gao & Ciyun Lin, 2022. "The Economic Value of Water Ecology in Sponge City Construction Based on a Ternary Interactive System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-15, November.
    15. G. Ferrarese & S. Malavasi, 2022. "Performances of Pressure Reducing Valves in Variable Demand Conditions: Experimental Analysis and New Performance Parameters," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 36(8), pages 2639-2652, June.
    16. Kenny, Charles, 2005. "Why Are We Worried About Income? Nearly Everything that Matters is Converging," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(1), pages 1-19, January.
    17. Rodrigo R. Soares, 2007. "On the Determinants of Mortality Reductions in the Developing World," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 33(2), pages 247-287, June.
    18. Jinda Wen & Haonan Chen, 2025. "Green Innovation and the Urban–Rural Income Gap: Empirical Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-25, February.
    19. Das Gupta, Monica, 2005. "Public health in India : an overview," Policy Research Working Paper Series 3787, The World Bank.
    20. Vasanthakumar Bhat, 2015. "Water and Its Effect on Business Productivity: A Cross-Country Analysis," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 29(11), pages 4007-4020, September.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3792-:d:1640331. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.