445: Could mycoforestry help feed the world and save the planet?

Deforestation, soil health and biodiversity are all major concerns in the agricultural industry. A recent United Nations report claims an estimated 80% of global deforestation is down to agricultural practices, as well as being the leading cause of habitat destruction. But does farming always have to lead to deforestation? Can crops and trees not only co-exist, but possibly thrive together? The emerging field of mycoforestry is a means of managing forest communities through the introduction of fungi. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we look at a new study which suggests edible fungi could be used, with potentially huge consequences for the future of sustainable agriculture. So what did the study find? What could it mean for deforestation? And how can all of this benefit the food industry? Guest: Professor Paul Thomas, Honorary Professor, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling