Fill in the words from the list.
| environment generations | agroecology pasture | techniques tillage |
Farmers of sustainable agriculture look at agriculture and ecology together, and refer to it as 1) ____. By using farming 2) ____ such as crop rotation, conservation 3) ____, raising animals on 4) ____ and natural fertilization, sustainable farmers produce food without having a negative effect on the 5) ____. Instead of harming soil, air and water, sustainable farms actually enhance and preserve the land so that future 6) ____ can continue to use it for food production.
READING AND speaking
Read the following text.
Sustainable Agriculture
The world’s population is expected to rise dramatically over the next 40 years, to 9.2 billion by 2050. At the same time, economic development will lead to an increase in demand for meat, dairy, vegetables and fruit. To feed the world and to feed it well, global food production will need to double by 2050. The problem, however, is that half of the habitable land on Earth is already used for farming. As resources are limited, the challenge is to achieve global food security while having a positive impact on the environment and society. Sustainable agricultural practices provide the solution.
In simplest terms, sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fibre, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. This form of agriculture enables us to produce healthful food without compromising future generations' ability to do the same.
Sustainable agriculture takes many forms, but at its core is a rejection of the industrial approach to food production developed during the 20th century. This system, with its reliance on monoculture, mechanization, chemical pesticides and fertilizers, biotechnology, and government subsidies, has made food abundant and affordable. However, the ecological and social price has been steep: erosion; depleted and contaminated soil and water resources; loss of biodiversity; deforestation; and the decline of the family farm.
Sustainable farms produce crops and raise animals without relying on toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seeds, or practices that degrade soil, water, or other natural resources. By growing a variety of plants and using techniques such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and pasture-based livestock husbandry, sustainable farms protect biodiversity and foster the development and maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
Food production should never come at the expense of human health. Since sustainable crop farms avoid hazardous pesticides, they're able to grow fruits and vegetables that are safer for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities. Likewise, sustainable livestock farmers and ranchers raise animals without dangerous practices like antibiotics or growth promoters. They treat animals with care and respect. By raising livestock on pasture, these farmers enable their animals to move freely, engage in instinctive behaviors, consume a natural diet, and avoid the stress and illness associated with confinement.
A critical component of sustainable agriculture is its ability to remain economically viable, providing farmers, farmworkers, food processors, and others employed in the food system with a livable wage and safe, fair working conditions. Sustainable farms also support local and regional economies, creating good jobs and building strong communities.
As it can be seen sustainable agriculture gives equal weight to environmental, social, and economic concerns in agriculture - all three must be considered together. Focusing on one or two in isolation will not give the desired results. From an ecological perspective, sustainable agriculture must contribute to conserving and improving soil fertility and water quality, restoring biodiversity and making economical use of energy. The social dimension covers labour rights and the health of communities, including access to and affordability of food, labour rights and community health. Food quality, safety and animal welfare are also important social aspects. On the economic side, sustainable agriculture is productive, efficient and competitive. The benefits should be seen in farm profitability, in thriving local economies, and throughout the whole value chain.
Answer the questions.
1) Why is it necessary to increase food production in the world?
2) What is sustainable agriculture?
3) What does industrial farming rely on?
4) What are the consequences of factory farms’ activity?
5) What techniques are used by sustainable crop farms?
6) In what way do sustainable livestock farmers raise animals?
7) What are the three concerns considered by sustainable agriculture?
8. The primary benefits of sustainable agriculture are:
· Environmental Preservation
· Protection of Public Health
· Sustaining Vibrant Communities