The Failures of Industrial Agriculture

Recently, the World Bank and the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization concluded a study that was in the works for the past four years. The study was done to find problems and solutions to the ever present global hunger issue. Surprisingly, it seems that the World Bank has finally gotten something right in regards to the future of the world. The report discusses the countless problems that have come to the forefront because of factory/industrial farming. Of these negatives aspects, there are certainly three problems that would definitely put a damper on the sustainability of the world's food sources. The report addressed the fact that factory farming has had an increased negative impact on the soil, water and biodiversity. In essence, if these mass production methods are continued, it will be extremely difficult to sustain a healthy food system.

The report applauds small farmers that use sustainable methods of production and it also continued to promote the usage of more localized economic systems. According to the report, industrial farming focuses on one immediate issue and then researches a quick fix. This is in contrast to the traditional farmer that finds a problem with their overall farming system and attempts to address the system as a whole, instead of finding one quick cure that may lead to even more production degradation. The report is a good sign for the future of local farmers and may also influence the World Bank and UN to promote much more traditional farming methods in "devleoping" countries throughout the world.

The saddest part behind this study is that key countries like Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have yet to sign onto the report and support the reports findings. Of course, in the lands of Cargill, Safeway, ConAgra, Archer Daniels Midland and ASDA it does not come as much of a surprise. Perhaps these companies have too much of a lobbying hold to allow their governments to support a much more traditional state of existence.

Hopefully, through the continued support of local co-ops like Heartland Quality Foods and numerous local farmers the future will provide us with a healthier food product that will also stem the problem of global hunger.