Change Requires Change
The guided principles behind sustainability in the agricultural sector are to, (1) create an autonomous environment whereby we don’t rely on mechanical or chemical inputs to produce food; (2) to preserve and conserve our natural resources, including protecting our soil and the life that lies within it; (3) provide safe and healthy foods; and (4) farmers should profit from their labor (Magdoff, Foster & Buttel, 2000).
In his book, Hungry for Profit, contributor Miguel Altieri compares the conventional agricultural methods and their evolution during the time the book was published in 2000, and the then current state of sustainability and its future. He identifies several barriers to shifting to a sustainable agricultural ecosystem including: the sharp penetration of farm machinery that is designed to work with monocultures rather than polycultures; the number of farms decreasing, yet producing more outputs; cropping systems designed to plant and produce stable outputs with little risk; and finally, the influence of transitional corporations (TNC’s) such as the then Monsanto (now Bayer), DuPont, and Novartis (Magdoff, Foster & Buttel, 2000) monopolizing the chemical input industry, where self-reliance on natural inputs have become a thing of the past.
Altieri does provide some strategies to overcome these barriers, but does confesses that “a more radical transformation of agriculture is needed”, that would involve social, political, cultural, and economic influences (Magdoff, Foster & Buttel, 2000). Grace Communications Foundation has several ideas on how to advocate for change, including supporting the "Just Label It" campaign (www.justlabelit.org). Citizens can get involved in advocating for the Farm Bill, which is rewritten every 5 years (www.foodandwaterwatch.org). Powerful alliances with organizations and people that can influence change should be formed, such as with congressman, large health and pharmaceutical organizations, nonprofits, and special interest groups. It will take concerned and passionate parties within government operations who can ignite the change, advocate for support, and have the stamina and courage to tackle naysayers and sabotagiers.
"Farm Bill 101." Food and Water Watch. Accessed October 5, 2016. http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/insight/farm-bill-101
Magdoff, F., Foster, J. B., & Buttel, F. H. (2000). Hungry for Profit: The Agribusiness Threat to Farmers, Food and the Environment. New York, NY: Monthly Review Press.
"Take Action: Food." Grace Communication Foundation. Accessed October 5, 2016. http://www.sustainabletable.org/1453/take-action-food#five.