With the rapid growth of human population, some are wondering whether the agriculture industry can produce enough crops and livestock to accomodate for everyone. Farmers are using two ways of raising food that will hopefully better the system and produce animals and crops faster.
Industrial Agriculture
Industrial Agriculture is a form of intensive farming in which machines are used in substitute for the labor of animals and humans. The purpose of Industrial Agriculture is to get low food prices for American consumers, be a potential energy source, and substantial exports to foreign markets. But even though this way of farming can benefit farmers and consumers, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.- Genetic diversity in agriculture is very important but has been declining because of industrial agriculture. This decline has had a bad effect on crops. Crops that are similar to each other in appearance and yield may also be similar in their vulnerability to disease. Growing millions of acres of plants that are genetically the same make the supply very susceptible to disease.
- Industrial agriculture relies on pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. According to the Environment of Protection Agency, the U.S. used a total of 1.1 billion pounds of active pesticides ingredients in 1992.
- Before, farmers raised crops and animals on the same farm. Products and byproducts produced could be recycled on the farm. This reduced off-farm purchases. Now, some animals are grown in concentrated livestock. They generate water-polluting manure that has become and unsafe waste product instead of a valuable contribution.
But is an industrial-style agriculture the only way to produce food for the world? No, sustainable agriculture can be another option.
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture is a way of raising food that doesn't harm the environment, provides fair wage to farmers, is humane for workers and is safe and healthy for animals and consumers. There are many advantages in using sustainable agriculture as a way of farming.
- Sustainable agriculture is better for biodiversity because farms produce different kinds of plants and animals.
- Seasonally, plants are rotated around the fields. This results in enriched soils and prevents diseases and outbreaks of pests.
- Farmers take care of their animals by facilitating them to exhibit their natural behaviours.
- Sustainable agriculture increases the use of renewable environmental resources and is therefore beneficial for the environment.
In the end, even if industrial agriculture is a faster way of producing livestock and crops to feed more consumers, it can be dangerous to the environment, as well as the animals and plants itself, which ultimately leads to the risks of health problems for people buying it. Also, biodiversity is decreasing as plants and animals are being produced to be genetically similar. By using sustainable agriculture as a way of farming, not only will it be substantially less harmful to the environment, but it will also be advantageous to the diversity of livestock and plants.
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