5.11 Challenges of Contemporary Agriculture

Debates Surrounding Agricultural Innovations

Biotechnology 

Definition

Arguments for: 

• More efficient crop production 
• Prolonged freshness of products 
• Can design/modify organisms for specific purposes 

Arguments against: 

• Consuming large amounts of GMO foods could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and affect the ecological balance of agriculture 
• Genetically modified plants and animals could interbreed and contaminate food supplies 

GMOs 

Definition

Arguments for: 

• Higher yields 
• More nutrient dense varieties 
• Resistant to pests 
• Tolerant to droughts 
• Tolerant to herbicides 

Arguments against: 

• Unwanted gene transfer to other organisms 
• Unintended harm to other organisms 

• Unknown or unintended health effects 
• Economic concerns 

• GMOs are more expensive to produce and take longer to bring into the market 

Aquaculture 

Definition

Arguments for: 

• Fish and marine plants can be used to rebuild species populations 
• Plants grown in aquaculture provide material that can be used for pharmaceutical nutritional, and biotechnology purposes 
• Could be used for treating sewage and wastewater (by using fish like prawns and carp that gain nutrients from waste) 

Arguments against: 

• Can lead to overfishing 
• Certain fish species can become extinct 
• Marine ecosystems can be affecting by upsetting the food chain 
• Can pollute water systems (due to large concentrations of fish) 
• Can change the landscape for marine life 
• Expensive practice 

Influences on Food Production and Consumption

• Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) 
• A network or association of individuals who have agreed to support one or more local farms 
• Both growers and consumers share the upsides and downsides that come with food production 
• Organic Farming 
• No genetically modified organisms 
• No artificial/harsh chemicals (pesticides, antibiotics, fertilizers, synthetic hormones) 
• Less costly to grow 
• Has little effect on the production of staple foods 
• Questionable standards and sustainability 
• Prices out smaller farms because subsidies favor larger farms with more diverse ecosystems (since chemicals can’t be used)
• Value-added Specialty Crops 
• These have something “special” in them that makes them unique and priced higher 
• Something different in the production of the product that “enhances its value” 
• Examples: 
• Organically produced (oftentimes seen as “better,” so people are willing to purchase it at a higher price) 
• Jams (these are special because fruits are changed into something delicious in production) 
• Cotton-candy grapes (the name itself says specialty, and you don’t find them everywhere either! side note- you must try these when they’re in season!) 
• Fair Trade 
• Promotes sustainability 
• Fair everything! (Emphasizes small business) 
• Fair worker wages 
• Permits union organizing 
• Must comply with minimum environmental and safety hazards 
• When you see “fair trade” on product labels, this means that the product producers are getting a fair price for their goods 
• Local Food Movements 
• Local farmers markets 
• Food is the main attraction, but they also provide a sense of community and are generally an enjoyable, fun experience 

Food for All (What’s wrong with this?) 

• Lack of/Unequal Food Access 
• Food insecurity 
• Plenty of children and families around the world are food insecure 
• It means sparse physical, social, or economic access to healthy food needed to meet dietary standards  
• Food deserts 
• Areas with very little access to (or even no access to) nutritious, affordable food such as fresh fruits and vegetables 
• *Know this: There are areas only surrounded by fast food restaurants and run-down gas stations -> how are people in poverty supposed to stay healthy, let alone afford this?! 
• Issues with Distribution Systems 
• Certain areas may receive more product than others, which is especially unfavorable to those living in remote, isolated regions
• Unpredictable/Unfavorable Weather Conditions
• Food may not reach these areas as readily
• Farmlands may be located very far away, making it difficult for regions located in harsh climates to get access to fresh produce 
• Suburbanization 
• Results in loss of land, and as a result, decreased farmland and crop production 

What Economic Processes Affect Food-Production? 

1. Supply and demand: The basic economic principle of supply and demand can affect the production of food. If there is a high demand for a particular type of food and a low supply, the price of that food will tend to increase, which can incentivize producers to increase production. On the other hand, if there is a low demand and a high supply, the price will tend to decrease, which can discourage producers from producing that food.
2. Production costs: The costs of producing food, such as labor, land, and inputs, can also affect food production. If the costs of production are high, it may not be profitable for producers to grow certain types of food, which can lead to a reduction in production.
3. Government policies: Government policies, such as subsidies, tariffs, and regulations, can also affect food production. For example, subsidies can make it more profitable for producers to grow certain types of food, while tariffs can make it more expensive to import food from other countries, which can encourage domestic production.
4. Market conditions: Market conditions, such as competition, prices of related goods, and consumer preferences, can also affect food production. For example, if there is strong competition among producers, it may be necessary to reduce prices in order to sell goods, which can affect profitability.
5. Natural disasters: Natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes, can also affect food production. These disasters can damage crops and livestock and disrupt supply chains, which can lead to a reduction in food production.