Farming our Future
Farming our Future
Problem
The U.S. agricultural industry emitted roughly 671.5 million metric tons of CO2 in 2021. We need to change that!
Environmental Impacts of Non-Sustainable Agriculture
Non-sustainable agriculture is often referred to as conventional or commercial farming practices.
The commercial practices and coinciding environmental consequences include:
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Plowing, tilling = soil erosion, sediment run off, CO2 released, depletes soil health
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Fertilizers, pesticides = runoff intoxicates ecosystems, loss of soil biodiversity, exposure can cause health risks to humans and animals
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Livestock = methane released, animal waste can contaminate water and soil.
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Heavy water irrigation systems = overdraws water from water sources leading to water scarcity, soil salinization decreases fertility.
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Clearing fields = habitat destruction, burning releases CO2
Converting to sustainable agriculture is a win-win for farmers, consumers, and the planet!
"According to a report and economic analysis released today by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) coalition, farmers could expect a 15-25% return on investment after transitioning from conventional to regenerative agriculture systems, however the transition can take three to five years" - wbcsd.org
This report includes surveys and interviews with 100 U.S. farmers who reported seeing benefits from converting to regenerative agriculture such as: healthier soil, reduced input costs, less fertilizer runoff and complications with the chemical use, more biodiversity, and an increase in resilience to extreme weather circumstances.
A survey with wheat farmers in Kansas found that regenerative farmers were experiencing profits much as a 120% above their earnings when they farming conventionally.
Additionally, regenerative agriculture excludes the heavy machinery and technology used in commercial agriculture. This lowers the capital investment and fixed costs, allowing more of the profits to be dedicated to the labor income of farm workers. This benefits farmers along with rural and agricultural communities.
Converting to sustainable agriculture is a win-win for farmers, consumers, and the planet.
Farmers will eventually experience higher profits. Consumers will have access to chemical-free foods with higher nutritious value. The planet will be saved with soil health and biodiversity of land and ecosystems being prioritized.