New York, November 23, 2025
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are driving a global health and environmental crisis, with farmers emerging as key agents to reverse these damaging trends, experts warn. Urgent shifts in farming practices and food systems are critical to restoring public health and planetary resilience.
The health impacts of UPFs are severe and well-documented. Consuming diets high in ultra-processed foods is linked to a 50–66% higher risk of cardiovascular death, a 55% increase in obesity, and a 40–48% elevated risk of diabetes and anxiety. Recent research also associates UPF consumption with a 41% increased risk of lung cancer and the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Young adults and children are particularly vulnerable to these harms, with UPFs driving overeating and early metabolic disorders, raising alarms globally.
Over half the calories consumed in the United States originate from UPFs, and this trend is rapidly escalating in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Public health experts and institutions such as The Lancet equate the UPF epidemic to tobacco’s historical impact, calling for immediate and comprehensive action.
The environmental consequences are equally troubling. Industrial food systems that prioritize a narrow range of commodity crops—primarily corn, soy, and wheat—for UPF production contribute to widespread monocultures. This shift has led to the loss of thousands of edible plant and animal species, diminishing agrobiodiversity that is vital for food security and climate resilience.
UPF manufacturing demands more land, water, and energy than traditional farming methods, often encroaching on forests and natural habitats. This intensifies biodiversity loss and undermines sustainable agricultural practices, thereby worsening climate change impacts.
Farmers are positioned as central to addressing these crises by transforming food production. Transitioning to diverse, regenerative farming practices can enable the cultivation of nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage are critical to restoring soil health, sequestering carbon, and enhancing biodiversity.
Supporting local and seasonal food systems further reduces reliance on lengthy global supply chains that favor UPFs. Initiatives like farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA), and farm-to-school programs are expanding, providing healthier options while lowering environmental footprints.
Policy and economic frameworks are beginning to align with this transformation. Governments and international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) now advocate for policies that incentivize farmers to prioritize agrobiodiversity and sustainable practices over industrial monocultures. Financial support and regulatory reform are essential to encourage diverse crop production and regenerative methods.
Consumer demand for fresh, whole foods is growing, presenting opportunities for farmers to educate and engage the public on nutritional and environmental benefits. However, considerable barriers remain. The dominance of UPF corporations in the market and political influence present significant obstacles. Many farmers face economic constraints that encourage monoculture commodity production, and infrastructure for small-scale, diverse farming is often inadequate.
Despite these challenges, advances in technology, increasing funding for regenerative agriculture, and global momentum for systemic food reform offer hope. The convergence of public awareness, policy shifts, and innovation may empower farmers to lead a crucial transition away from unsustainable ultra-processed food systems.
The intersection of health and environmental crises underscores the need for urgent, coordinated action. Farmers are not merely food producers but pivotal actors in restoring agrobiodiversity, improving global diets, and building resilient food systems. Whether this transformation succeeds will heavily depend on continued policy support, consumer engagement, and investment in sustainable farming practices to counterbalance the overwhelming presence of ultra-processed foods. The health of populations and the planet increasingly hinges on this shift.