Agriculture is at a breaking point. For Ewing McDowell, a fifth-generation farmer and the Agricultural, Finance, and Political Lead for Superstruct, the solutions lie in bold, systemic change.
“Agriculture isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about nourishing communities and sustaining the planet,” McDowell asserts. “The time to act is now, and it’s going to take innovative systems, collaborative leadership, and an honest reassessment of how we grow and distribute food.”
With decades of experience spanning farming, international trade, public service, and agricultural innovation, McDowell brings a seasoned perspective to a conversation that demands urgency. Here, he shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of agriculture, finance, and politics.
A System Under Pressure
The Climate Crisis
The impact of climate change on agriculture cannot be overstated. From more frequent droughts and floods to unpredictable growing seasons, farmers are increasingly at the mercy of environmental forces beyond their control.
“Climate change has created a situation where traditional farming is becoming less viable, and farmers are forced to adapt quickly or risk losing everything,” says McDowell. “The good news is that we have the tools to do it—but we need the will to implement them.”
These tools include regenerative farming practices that rebuild soil health, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity. For McDowell, regenerative agriculture is not just a buzzword but a cornerstone of the future food system. “Healthy soil is the foundation of everything. Without it, we lose our ability to grow, to sustain, and to adapt.”
Supply Chain Disruptions
If climate change is a slow-moving crisis, supply chain disruptions represent its fast-moving counterpart. From the pandemic to geopolitical tensions, the fragility of global food supply chains has been laid bare.
“Our food system is stretched too thin. We’ve created a structure where a single breakdown—be it in transportation, labor, or inputs—can ripple across the entire globe,” McDowell explains.
He points to localized food systems as a critical solution. “The more we can grow closer to where food is consumed, the less we’re dependent on long-haul transportation and fragile logistics. It’s better for the environment, it’s better for the economy, and it’s better for communities.”
Innovating the Future: Omega-3 and Beyond
Omega-3 and Nutritional Agriculture
One of the most exciting areas of innovation is the integration of Omega-3-rich crops into agricultural systems. Traditionally sourced from fish, Omega-3s are essential for human health, supporting brain function and cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.
“We’ve relied on fish for Omega-3s for far too long, and it’s an unsustainable model. The future is in plants like algae and duckweed, which can produce Omega-3s at scale with minimal environmental impact,” says McDowell.
These crops are not only highly efficient but also versatile. They can be grown in vertical farms, controlled environments, and even in nutrient-rich wastewater systems, creating opportunities for circular economies.
“This is the kind of innovation that excites me—it’s scalable, sustainable, and it solves multiple problems at once,” McDowell adds.
Regenerative Practices and Local Food Systems
Beyond Omega-3s, McDowell sees regenerative agriculture as the blueprint for the future. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and agroforestry can transform degraded farmland into productive ecosystems.
“We need to stop thinking of agriculture as extractive and start seeing it as restorative. Regenerative practices don’t just feed people—they heal the land and create a legacy for future generations,” he says.
Finance and Politics: The Levers of Change
Realigning Subsidies and Incentives
Much of agriculture’s current struggles stem from policies prioritizing industrial monocultures over sustainable practices. McDowell believes it’s time for a change.
Redirecting government funding to support regenerative practices, alternative crops, and local food systems would create a ripple effect across the industry. “When you incentivize the right behavior, farmers respond. They’re some of the most innovative people I know, but the system has to set them up for success.”
“Subsidies need to reward farmers for doing the right thing—building soil health, reducing emissions, and growing nutritious food—not just producing the most calories per acre." – Ewing McDowell
The Importance of Regulatory Reform
Regulatory complexity is another barrier to progress. “We’ve made it too hard for small and medium-sized farmers to thrive. Between compliance costs and corporate competition, the little guy gets squeezed out,” McDowell explains.
He advocates for streamlined regulations that support innovation without compromising safety or sustainability. “We need a system that encourages experimentation and adaptation, especially as we navigate a rapidly changing world.”
Reimagining Agriculture’s Role
Building Resilience
For McDowell, resilience is the ultimate goal. “Whether it’s climate change, pandemics, or geopolitical tensions, our food system has to be able to weather the storm,” he says.
Resilience means diversification—of crops, supply chains, and markets. It means reducing dependence on single points of failure and building systems that can adapt and recover.
Leadership and Collaboration
McDowell emphasizes that agriculture’s transformation will require a collective effort. “No single farmer, company, or government can solve these problems alone. It’s going to take collaboration across sectors—farmers, scientists, financiers, and policymakers all have a role to play,” he says.
This collaborative approach aligns with his role at Superstruct, where he works to bring together multidisciplinary expertise to drive systemic change. “The team you’re part of is more important than what you can do alone. That’s why I’m excited about Superstruct—it’s a platform for real, meaningful impact.”
A Vision for the Future
McDowell’s vision for agriculture is both ambitious and deeply rooted in practicality. In the short term, he sees opportunities to scale projects like Omega-3 production, localized food systems, and regenerative practices. In the long term, he envisions a global food system that is equitable, sustainable, and resilient.
“This is about more than agriculture. It’s about how we live, how we connect, and how we sustain ourselves and the planet,” – Ewing McDowell
For Ewing McDowell and Superstruct, the future of food isn’t just a challenge—it’s an opportunity. With bold ideas, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment, they are paving the way for a better, more sustainable world.
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