Groundbreaking Diversified Farming Research Wins International Acclaim
Landmark study demonstrating environmental and social benefits of agricultural diversification earns Frontiers Planet Prize recognition
The Organic Center is proud to spotlight a major scientific achievement with deep implications for the future of sustainable farming: a pioneering study on agricultural diversification, co-authored by over 50 international researchers, including Dr. Amber Sciligo, Senior Director of The Organic Center, has earned the distinction of U.S. National Champion in the prestigious Frontiers Planet Prize competition.
Led by Dr. Zia Mehrabi, assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of Colorado Boulder and head of the Better Planet Lab, the study explores how diversified agriculture—integrating multiple crops and livestock alongside conservation practices—can deliver significant environmental and social gains without compromising yields.
Published in Science under the title “Joint environmental and social benefits from diversified agriculture,” the research analyzed data from 2,655 farms across 11 countries and five continents. The team found that as farms employed more diversification strategies, they saw consistent improvements in biodiversity, food access, and food security, particularly in smallholder farming systems.
“This work shows that farming doesn’t have to come at the cost of ecosystems or human well-being,” said Mehrabi. “In fact, the more closely agriculture mirrors natural systems, the more benefits we see.”
The study stands in stark contrast to the dominant model of large-scale monoculture agriculture that rose to prominence during the Green Revolution. While that era helped reduce global hunger through high-yield farming, it also introduced environmental costs associated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and farm mechanization. Mehrabi and his colleagues argue that diversification is key to reversing that trend—and restoring resilience in both farms and food systems.
The research is now in contention to win one of three International Champion titles, each accompanied by $1 million in funding to further advance planetary health research. The final winners were celebrated at a high-profile ceremony in Switzerland this past June.
“This recognition isn’t just a personal or academic milestone,” Mehrabi noted. “It’s a powerful signal to the broader research and funding community that diversified farming is a scientifically validated path forward—and one that deserves significant investment.”
The Frontiers Planet Prize, launched on Earth Day 2022 by the Frontiers Research Foundation, honors science that directly supports global efforts to remain within the Earth’s planetary boundaries, as outlined by the Stockholm Resilience Centre. Winners are selected by an independent jury of 100 global experts chaired by sustainability scientist Professor Johan Rockström.
The Organic Center’s own Dr. Amber Sciligo, a co-author on the study and long-time champion of science-based solutions for organic and regenerative farming, celebrated the team’s recognition.
“This work affirms what we in the organic community have long advocated—that farming systems designed with ecological balance and social wellbeing in mind are not only possible, but essential,” Sciligo said. “This honor helps bring that message to the global stage.”
As Mehrabi puts it, changing agriculture may feel like a David-and-Goliath effort in the face of industrial “big ag,” but this research is a powerful stone in the sling. “We have the evidence. Now it’s time to act.”
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Images of all co-authors for the USA’s winning research paper.
