Sustainable vs Industrial

Remember when we were little, our teachers would read us books about animals on the farm mooing and quacking in a warm and grassy field. But as we grow up, we’ve learn that the world cannot be based on our little story books. We are now old enough to face the reality and put aside our fantasy from our childhood. Nowadays, farms are divided into two categories; the sustainable agriculture and industrial agriculture.

Cows on a sustainable farm

Sustainable agriculture can be defined as the practice of farming in an eco-friendly manner such as using natural resources to raise their crops and animals. The crops and animals are respected under one harmonious system which includes the treatment of crop rotation, covering crops, soil and nutrient management. By using the eco-friendly methods, plants and animals will be raised in a healthy behaviour and provide a better diet for us to enjoy. Although the food is produced in a more eco-logically friendly routine, the current state of our society does not allow that to take place.

Cows on an industrial farm

With the population increasing daily, the demand for food is crucial to feed our world and that is where the second method comes into play. Industrial agriculture can be described as modern farming that uses unsanitary methods to produce crops and raise animals. The reason why this method is being practiced by many farmers is because it is cost efficient and the time it takes to produce a large amount of products for our society to enjoy.

Sustainable Agriculture

• Crops contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant which can help fight against cancer
• Foods are produced without the use of pesticides and other chemicals
• Animals are raised without the use of antibiotics which cannot be poisonous which prevents the growth of resistance for plants and animals.
• Animals are not given hormones which provides a steady and healthy growth
• Animals are treated with respect and are able to wander around in the fields
• Conserves water resources and keep them from being contaminated by harmful chemicals.

Industrial Agriculture

• Crops contain more artificial vitamins and minerals as well as preservatives
• Foods are produced with the use of pesticides and that increases the risk of cancer
• Animals are raised with the use of antibiotics which can be costly and be less effective for us when treated with a sickness
• Animals are given hormones which speed up their growth and increase the risk of cancer
• Animals are placed in a crowded area with limited sunlight and fresh air
• Contaminates their water with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and manure

Based upon the comparison mentioned above, I am in favour of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture provides a healthy and clean environment for both the animals and humans to coexist. Although the industrial agriculture may benefit a bigger part of the world by providing it with more food, it does so at the cost of our environment, which our future generations will grow up in. By using the sustainable agriculture, we are protecting our environment and making it a better place for us to live in.

Sources:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/comparison/
http://www.indigodev.com/Susagr.html
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info:doi/10.1289/ehp.02110445
http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html
http://www.portaec.net/library/food/costs_and_benefits_of_industrial.html

Picture References:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Oo77oYy-sH4/TRJ_yqF1ReI/AAAAAAAAABg/BlxuHgM6qjc/s1600/cow_pasture+5.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Confined-animal-feeding-operation.jpg/250px-Confined-animal-feeding-operation.jpg

Blogs I've Commented On:

http://hellomynameissarahbrown.blogspot.com/2011/02/closer-look-at-farming.html
http://kicksurface.blogspot.com/2011/03/devils-playground.html?showComment=1300831317562#c2746698472581557446