by Erin McGinn
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The term "sustainable agriculture" is heard a lot in congressional circles where the vast majority of elected officials who determine agriculture’s future have little or no real knowledge about what it really takes to produce our nation’s food supply. The University of California’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program defines sustainable agriculture as integrating three goals: environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity.
Under federal law, the more extensive definition of sustainable agriculture includes practices that, over the long-term, will satisfy human food and fiber needs, the economic viability of farm operations and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
Neither definition of sustainable agriculture references "organic." However, many environmental groups and sustainable agriculture advocates firmly link the two, and frequently use "organic" as a synonym for sustainable agriculture.
In the absence of a clear definition, it is important to shift the focus slightly from sustainable agriculture to agricultural practices and innovations that can sustain the world – particularly in light of the unprecedented exploding population growth.
At a time when the world’s population is increasing, the amount of land suitable for farming and ranching is decreasing. Organic agriculture definitely has a well-earned spot in the marketplace, but most experts agree organic production alone cannot feed the world.
The challenge for growers is to produce more and better quality crops to meet increasing nutritional demands on less and less land, while using methods that protect the environment. Along with a long-standing tradition of clearing the highest of hurdles, U.S. producers have biotechnology on their side.
Researchers at Monsanto, for example, spend approximately $2 million each day on biotechnology, such as developing drought-tolerant corn that produces higher yields while using nitrogen more efficiently to reduce the amount of fertilizer needed. In addition, researchers are advancing seed technology to provide higher quality animal feed and higher oil content for food and fuel production. Innovations are also dedicated to ensuring an environment in which agriculture production can flourish.
Agricultural practices and innovations that will sustain American farmers and the world’s population are not exclusively biotech-driven. There is plenty of room for organic and non-traditional approaches to farming.
However, biotech’s role in helping U.S. farmers and ranchers continue to provide one of the world’s safest and most affordable food supplies, particularly in the future, is undeniably growing in importance.
(Erin McGinn is the assistant editor of "Farm Bureau News" for American Farm Bureau, the nation’s largest farm organization.)