Industrial Agriculture

By, Anna Gilroy

Industrial Agriculture

Description-Industrial agriculturalists treat the farm as a factory, using pesticides as inputs.-A system of chemically intesive food production, developed after WWII.

Impact on the Environment- Damages soil, water and even climate on an unprecidented scale.-Chemical fertilizer runoff adds to global warming. -Herbicides and insecticides harm wildlife and pose health risks to humans, from headaches to cancer.

CauseGrowing and maintaining crops on a large scale.

Solving the Problem- Donations made to the UCSCSA to 'prioritize investments in healthy foods and farms.'- PAN (Pesticide Action Network) works with allies to advance non-industrial agriculture.

What if he problem is ignored?-We won't be able to maintain a growing and warming planet.-Loss of biodiversity and key species (eg. bees).-Pest resistance, which will lead to the development or application of more pesticides or new pesticides.-Water pollution and soil contamionation are possible.

Local Examples-New York State has nearly 7.2 million acres of farmland (1/4 of the state's total land area).-Ithaca Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan is used to minimize the problem.

How can YOU help?-Minimize consumption of animal products.-Buy local, natural, farmraised crops.

Monitoring-Pesticides are tested and approved by the EPA, which establishes maximum residue levels.-FDA is responsible for monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.-USDA surveys pesticide residues in meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Opposing Views- 'Industrial agriculture is the only way to feed the world,' says proponents of industrial agriculure.

Sources-Panna.org-ucsusa.org-sustainabletable.org-town.ithaca.ny.us-osc.state.ny.us-google.com (images)-prior knowledge