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Establish Universal Basic Income for Ecosystem Services Provided by Farmers
Farmers provide crucial ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and water filtration, but receive no payment for these benefits to society. Current agricultural economics only rewards commodity production, creating perverse incentives that degrade natural systems. Barriers include complex measurement challenges, lack of global payment mechanisms, and resistance from taxpayers and governments. Without compensation for ecosystem services, farmers have little economic motivation to adopt regenerative practices that benefit everyone but reduce short-term profits. Success would revolutionize agriculture by making environmental stewardship financially viable, potentially transforming millions of farms worldwide into thriving ecosystems while maintaining food security.
Applied Sciences, Sustainable Farming, Regenerative Agriculture