ABOUT ME
Albie Miles
Associate Professor
Sustainable Community Food Systems
University of Hawai’i - West O‘ahu
Summary
Albie Miles is an Associate Professor of Sustainable Community Food Systems and the Director of the Hawaii Institute for Sustainable Community Food Systems at the University of Hawai’i - West O’ahu (UHWO).
He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. His research explores the intersection of farming system biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the social, economic, and political challenges to advancing ecologically sustainable and socially just food systems.
With over 25 years of experience in agroecology, sustainable food systems, education, and policy, Dr. Miles has worked with the United Nations FAO and the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) at UC Santa Cruz. He is a founding member of the Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA) and serves on the Executive Committee of the Inter-institutional Network for Food, Agriculture and Sustainability (INFAS). Additionally, Dr. Miles is the Chief Specialty Editor for the Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems Section on Social Movements, Institutions, and Governance.
Research Interests
Dr. Miles’ natural science research investigates the role of farming system biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem services such as pest control, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling. His social science research focuses on the barriers to achieving sustainable and just food systems, addressing topics such as food sovereignty, food justice, and the structural obstacles to food system transformation.
Publications
Book Chapter: Miles, A., Wilson, H., Altieri, M., & Nicholls, C. (2012). Habitat diversity at the field and landscape level: Conservation biological control research in California viticulture. Arthropod management in vineyards: Pests, approaches, and future directions, 159-189.
This book chapter explores the role of habitat diversity in promoting biological pest control in California vineyards. It emphasizes how integrated pest management strategies can enhance ecosystem services within agricultural landscapes.
Journal Article: Kremen, C., & Miles, A. (2012). Ecosystem services in biologically diversified versus conventional farming systems: benefits, externalities, and trade-offs
This article compares ecosystem services in biologically diversified farming systems to conventional ones, highlighting the benefits and externalities of each approach. The study underscores the value of biodiversity in enhancing sustainability and ecological resilience in agriculture.
Journal Article: Carlisle, L., & Miles, A. (2013). Closing the knowledge gap: how the USDA could tap the potential of biologically diversified farming systems. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 3(4), 219-225.
This article discusses how the USDA can leverage biologically diversified farming systems to improve agricultural sustainability. It highlights the potential benefits of these systems for food security and environmental health.
Journal Article: Wilson, H., Miles, A. F., Daane, K. M., & Altieri, M. A. (2015). Landscape diversity and crop vigor influence biological control of the western grape leafhopper (E. elegantula Osborn) in vineyards. PLoS One, 10(11), e0141752.
This study examines how landscape diversity and crop vigor contribute to the biological control of vineyard pests. It finds that these factors are critical in managing pest populations and supporting sustainable viticulture.
Journal Article: Wilson, H., Miles, A. F., Daane, K. M., & Altieri, M. A. (2015). Vineyard proximity to riparian habitat influences Western grape leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula Osborn) populations. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 211, 43-50.
This article explores how the proximity of vineyards to riparian habitats affects grape leafhopper populations. It suggests that maintaining nearby natural habitats can be a key strategy in pest management for vineyards.
Journal Article: Wilson, H., Miles, A. F., Daane, K. M., & Altieri, M. A. (2016). Host plant associations of Anagrus spp.(Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) and Erythroneura elegantula (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in northern California. Environmental Entomology, 45(3), 602-615.
This study investigates the host plant preferences of key natural enemies and pests in vineyards. It provides insights into how understanding these associations can improve pest management strategies.
Journal Article: DeLonge, M. S., Miles, A., & Carlisle, L. (2016). Investing in the transition to sustainable agriculture. Environmental Science & Policy, 55, 266-273.
The article advocates for increased investment in sustainable agricultural practices, offering a detailed analysis of the financial and policy mechanisms needed for such a transition. It provides recommendations for policymakers and practitioners on fostering sustainable agricultural systems.
Journal Article: Miles, A., DeLonge, M. S., & Carlisle, L. (2017). Triggering a positive research and policy feedback cycle to support a transition to agroecology and sustainable food systems. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 41(7), 855-879.
This paper proposes a feedback cycle between research and policy to facilitate the transition to agroecology. It outlines how evidence-based policy can promote sustainable food systems at local, national, and global scales.
Journal Article: Wilson, H., Miles, A. F., Daane, K. M., & Altieri, M. A. (2017). Landscape diversity and crop vigor outweigh influence of local diversification on biological control of a vineyard pest. Ecosphere, 8(4), e01736.
This article finds that broader landscape diversity and crop vigor have a more significant effect on biological pest control than local diversification within vineyards. The research provides insights into optimizing pest management strategies.
Journal Article: Clinton, N., Stuhlmacher, M., Miles, A., Uludere Aragon, N., Wagner, M., Georgescu, M., ... & Gong, P. (2018). A global geospatial ecosystem services estimate of urban agriculture. Earth's Future, 6(1), 40-60.
This study uses geospatial data to estimate the ecosystem services provided by urban agriculture globally. The research highlights the critical role of urban agriculture in enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.
Journal Article: Wilson, H., Wong, J. S., Thorp, R. W., Miles, A. F., Daane, K. M., & Altieri, M. A. (2018). Summer flowering cover crops support wild bees in vineyards. Environmental Entomology, 47(1), 63-69.
This article examines the benefits of summer flowering cover crops for supporting wild bee populations in vineyards. It emphasizes the importance of integrating pollinator-friendly practices in agricultural systems.
Book Chapter: Miles, A., Enos, K., Maunakea Forth, K., & Maunakea Forth, G. (2018). After the Plantations: Restoring Ancestral Abundance Through Food System Change in Hawaiʻi
This chapter explores how Hawaiʻi can restore its food sovereignty by transitioning from plantation-based agriculture to sustainable, indigenous food systems. It offers a vision for food system change grounded in ancestral knowledge and ecological sustainability.
Technical Report: Hawaii Climate Commission (2021). Nature-Based Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change in Hawaiʻi: A Climate-Ready Hawai‘i Working Paper
In this report, Dr. Miles contributes to a broader discussion on the role of nature-based solutions in climate resilience for Hawaiʻi. The work explores how integrating ecological knowledge into climate adaptation strategies can strengthen the state's food and environmental systems.
Technical Report: Shaw, A., Miles, A., Afuso, K., & Bartolotti, T. (2021). Thematic Food System Vulnerability Assessments: Vulnerability & Resilience in the Hawaiʻi Food System
This report assesses the vulnerabilities and resilience of Hawaiʻi's food system, focusing on the impacts of climate change and systemic inequality. It provides a roadmap for strengthening food security and sustainability across the region.
Technical Report: Marra, J., Miles, A., Wahl, M., & Buck, C. (2021). Honolulu Port Flood Vulnerability Assessment
This report analyzes flood risks to Honolulu’s port and the implications for local food systems. It underscores the need for infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change impacts.
Journal Article: Miles, A., & Hoy, C. (2023). Achieving food system resilience and equity in the era of global environmental change. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 1126013.
This article discusses strategies for enhancing food system resilience and equity amidst the challenges of global environmental change. It emphasizes the role of sustainable agricultural practices in building adaptive, just food systems.
Journal Article: Zougris, K., Miles, A. F., Benjamin, R., & Geismar, E. (2024). Forming a National Community of Practice of Food System Planning Initiatives Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1490923.
This publication outlines the formation of a national community of practice focused on food system planning aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The research aims to foster collaboration among food system professionals to address global sustainability challenges.
Technical Report: Zougris, K., Miles, A. F. (2024). Assessing Household Emergency Preparedness in Hawaii.
This report evaluates the level of household emergency preparedness in Hawai‘i, with a particular focus on food systems. It provides recommendations for improving community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Journal Article: Zougris, K., Miles, A. F. (2025). Analyzing Disaster Preparedness and Rates of Household Compliance in Hawai’i: A Socio-Cognitive Approach
This in-press article investigates disaster preparedness and household compliance rates in Hawai‘i. It uses a socio-cognitive framework to understand the barriers and enablers of preparedness behavior in local communities.
Journal Article: Shon, J., & Miles, A. F. (2025). Ranking Food Security Indicators and Metrics in Hawaiʻi: A Delphi Approach
This article applies the Delphi method to rank and evaluate food security indicators for Hawaiʻi. It aims to establish a set of reliable metrics to monitor and improve food security in the state.
Editorial Roles
This research topic focuses on how global food systems must transform to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on sustainability, equity, and resilience. It explores strategies and innovative solutions that align food system practices with global sustainability targets, addressing both environmental and social dimensions of food production, distribution, and consumption.
(2023–present: Chief Specialty Editor and Lead Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems)
This area investigates how food systems can be designed or adapted to withstand natural disasters, climate change, and other crises, ensuring long-term food security. It also emphasizes preparedness, response strategies, and policy frameworks to enhance food system resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic disruptions.
(2024–present: Chief Specialty Editor and Lead Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems)
This topic brings together indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with modern scientific approaches to agroecology and sustainable food systems education. It aims to integrate diverse knowledge systems in university curricula, fostering a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainability and food system management.
(2024–present: Chief Specialty Editor and Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems)
This research focuses on developing and refining indicators and metrics that can measure the sustainability of food systems and track progress toward the SDGs. It seeks to create a robust framework for evaluating ecological, social, and economic sustainability across global food systems, ensuring that advancements align with sustainable development goals.
(2024–present: Chief Specialty Editor and Lead Associate Editor, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems)
Coming soon...
Coming soon...