Rethinking Food Systems: Q&A with Emory’s Dr. Emily Burchfield
Interview Notes:
Dr. Emily Burchfield, a food systems expert and researcher at Emory University, sheds light on the environmental impacts of modern agriculture and the potential for a more sustainable future. In this Q&A, Dr. Burchfield discusses the strain industrial agriculture places on the planet, the promise of regenerative farming, and the power of local food systems to drive meaningful change. Discover how innovations like ecological intensification and consumer-driven solutions can transform the way we grow, distribute, and consume food.
The original transcript of our conversation has been adapted for readability.Tyler Thompson: Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what drew you to food systems research?
Dr. Emily Burchfield: Sure! I’m from South Carolina, near Clemson, and spent a lot of time in Appalachia at my granny’s house. She had this huge garden, and I loved it. That’s really what got me interested in food and farming. To me, the way we grow food reflects our most fundamental relationship with the natural world.
I started studying economics at Clemson, hoping to change the system, but got frustrated. Eventually, I ended up at Vanderbilt, where I did my Ph.D. in environmental engineering. My work now brings together all kinds of data—interviews, numbers, and models—to understand U.S. food systems: what’s happening, what’s likely if nothing changes, and what people actually want for the future. At Emory, I lead the FACES Lab with a team exploring how to generate evidence for these big questions. Lately, I’ve been most excited about figuring out not just what people want, but how to make it happen—how to move from understanding to action.
Tyler: Your work emphasizes moving from research to action. Can you talk about how that shapes your current projects?
Emily: There’s a push in research now toward “community-engaged” or “action-oriented” research, where the questions come from the community itself. For me, this means anchoring my work to the Southeast—my home region—and building long-term relationships with local farmers and food systems stakeholders.
Being at Emory allows me to focus on iterative projects over time, collaborating directly with farmers and organizations like Fresh Harvest to identify and implement actionable solutions. It’s about aligning academic research with what matters most to the people living and working here.
Tyler: Why focus on the Southeast?
Emily: The Southeast has unique environmental conditions and challenges, but it’s also deeply personal for me. I care about the farmers, food systems, and communities here. Compared to other regions, the Southeast is under-resourced and understudied, which makes it an important focus for impactful research. Working locally also allows me to address broader patterns within U.S. agriculture while building stronger community connections.
Tyler: Based on your research, what have you learned about the current state of U.S. food systems?
Emily: At a national scale, the U.S. has some of the most productive and efficient agricultural systems in the world. But this comes with significant challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, and environmental externalities like pollution and biodiversity loss.
For example, climate change is rapidly altering where and how we can grow major crops like corn and soybeans. Unfortunately, many federal incentive programs lock farmers into current practices rather than helping them adapt to these changes. Soil degradation is another major concern. Current farming methods rely heavily on external inputs like fertilizers and petrochemicals, which are finite resources. When topsoil is depleted, it leads to productivity losses that are expensive and environmentally costly to offset.
Tyler: What gives you hope about the future of agriculture?
Emily: Despite the challenges, I’m optimistic. The diversity of perspectives in U.S. agriculture is both a challenge and a strength. For example, at a Georgia Organics conference, I saw large-scale producers discussing on-farm solar with urban organic growers. Those kinds of conversations give me hope—they show how shared goals can bring together different kinds of farmers to collaborate on solutions.
I’m also inspired by “bright spots”—places or practices that thrive against the odds. These successes often emerge from regional networks and organizations that connect motivated people with innovative ideas. Programs like the Working Farms Fund are a perfect example. They address one of the biggest barriers for new farmers: access to affordable land. By purchasing farmland near metro areas, matching it with farmers, and protecting it with conservation easements, the fund ensures the land stays farmland forever while helping new farmers build sustainable operations.
Lance Gunderson’s panarchy theory is also helpful here—it reminds us that systems can go through phases of collapse and renewal, with opportunities for transformation in moments of reorganization. Programs like the Working Farms Fund embody this idea by turning challenges like urban development into opportunities to grow resilient, sustainable food systems.
These bright spots remind me that meaningful change is already happening. Scaling efforts like these can create systems that support farmers’ livelihoods, environmental health, and stronger communities.
Tyler: Can you explain “ecological intensification” and how it fits into the future of farming?
Emily: Ecological intensification is about working with natural systems to improve productivity while restoring ecosystems. Instead of relying on synthetic inputs, farmers use techniques like cover cropping, crop rotation, and regenerative grazing to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity.
Will Harris at White Oak Pastures in Georgia is a great example. His regenerative grazing practices not only produce high-quality meat but also restore ecosystems and sequester carbon. Scaling these practices requires market support and consumers willing to invest in food that reflects these broader objectives.
Tyler: What role do consumers play in shaping food systems?
Emily: Consumers have incredible power to influence agricultural systems. Every purchase is a vote for a particular way of managing land. Choosing local, sustainably grown food supports systems that prioritize environmental health, fair wages, and community well-being.
For example, organizations like Fresh Harvest make it easier for consumers to align their spending with their values. By supporting local farmers, you’re not just buying fresh, nutrient-rich food—you’re also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Tyler: What’s next on your research and sustainability roadmap?
Emily: The next step is to deepen collaborations with local stakeholders and scale successful initiatives. I’m particularly excited about exploring new crops and climate-smart practices in the Southeast, as well as finding ways to connect farmers with the resources they need to transition to more sustainable systems.
Ultimately, it’s about creating a food system that balances productivity with environmental stewardship and social equity. It’s a big task, but I believe it’s possible if we approach it collaboratively and intentionally.
