Kyle Tran: Bio Man: March 2011

The importance of feeding the growing population versus the conservation of bio-diversity has been under controversy for many years now. The term Industrial agriculture refers to the modern form of farming in which machinery and chemicals replace human labour. This allows animals and plants to have more desirable traits to satisfy human consumption and our population. Sustainable agriculture refers to the practice of farming using natural methods. These methods are healthy for animals, consumers and the environment. So is it more important to feed the growing population at a rapid rate or is it more important to sustain biodiversity?

Although Industrial agriculture can produce food faster and at a higher quality, it contains many costs that negatively impact our society. Large amounts of water, chemicals, and energy are being used to maintain the industry. This means waste and chemicals accumulate in water and ground. Fertilizers and pesticides often flow into water systems where many organisms are damaged. Fossil fuels are used and contribute to ozone pollution. Billions of dollars worth of environmental damage take place every year. Aside from environmental issues, there are also economic expenses. There are indirect costs required for the energy of modern agriculture; Fuel, pesticides, and fertilizers just to name a few. With the chemicals going into our foods, there is also an increased health risk. Many negative factors come with Industrial agriculture that can strongly impact our society.

Water pollution from an industrial agriculture farm

The treatment of animals in Industrial and factory farms is said to be inhumane. Approximately 5000 Americans die every year from food contamination related to factory farming. It is said that industrial agricultural farmer act upon maximizing profits without regard for human health. Crops associated with industrial farming often contain more nitrates and have been under heavy use of pesticides which can increase the risk of cancer.

Animals often given little room when being raised.

Sustainable agriculture is a much more environmentally efficient way of farming. Limited or no pesticides or chemicals are used in the process. Farmers are able to use animal manure as fertilizer, replacing the use of chemical fertilizers. A common misconception is that without industrial agriculture, there would not be enough food for the world. However, world hunger is not caused by lack of food, but rather poverty. People live in areas where access to food is denied, as well as the owning of land. The health of the consumers as well as animals would be much better as opposed to that of industrial farming. Sustainable farms also help to conserve biodiversity by raising a wide range of animal breeds and crop varieties.

Although industrial agriculture may be quicker and more profitable, sustainable agriculture will protect our biodiversity as well as the health of humans and our environment. Sustainable agriculture reduces pollution and risks of diseases. Our technology of industrial agriculture farming has been taken advantage of, and is now putting our environment at risk.