Food production in the western world – and increasingly in other parts of the world – is industrialized. We use chemicals on a massive scale to produce food, industrial techniques are the norm. We rely heavily on chemicals to get the job done. The saying is that yield is high, prices are low. But the drawbacks are becoming obvious and some major qualities are obviously left out. Chemical agriculture has failed and must be replaced by better solutions.
The drawbacks are there for all to see: local communities are destroyed, plant diversity is reduced, the environment suffers, food quality is questioned, transport costs are high, human health is not so good, GM plants with unknown qualities, chemicals are entering the environment, the soil is damaged.
We must rebuild respect for the land and natural processes. The natural rhytms of the world – birds, fish, the growing season.
We want a healthy harvest from environmentally friendly agriculture. This means natural fertilizers and disease and bug control methods, composting, no chemicals, rich biodiversity, good rich soil, equipment that do not harm the environment. A low maintenance landscape should also be the norm. The underground ecosystem and soil should be tested and kept in good order. We should invite helpful plants, insects and organisms to obtain organic pest control and good growth. Composting could produce methane for production of energy.
Plants should be chosen wisely so that they fit the environment, they should be rich in nutrients and taste, keep their freshness and look good.
These principles should be applied to farms, gardens, backyards, rooftops, verandas, urban areas and all.
The percentage of local organic produce is low in most countries, but encouraging signs are present. Interest is growing as the understanding of the problem grows.
A basic local supply is desirable for many reasons: local control, knowledge of what you eat, less transport, fresher food…. Use of local wisdom and experience should be encouraged, so that local conditions and plants are well taken care of.
Plants could also be used to feed animals in a small scale production.
Yield and cost are important factors, and evaluation of these factors will enter into the broad picture. The negative factors of chemical production must be measured.
Authorities must find their place in this new picture as new and more modern methods are introduced. These principles mean small scale production, but the advantages could far outweigh possible increased costs.
Education must find its place: courses, books, DVDs, seminars, articles, organizations…..
No need to destroy the environment and make people ill – the solutions can be worked out when the principles are right.
Tags: rooftop, small scale, urban