Growing up in Brooklyn and spending most of my life in Morningside Heights in Manhattan, my only exposure to farming life was during my time in Franklin, Indiana. Delivering newspapers to farmers in rural Johnson and Brown counties opened my eyes to their hard work and dedication. While modern industrial farming has made American agriculture the most productive in the world, it comes with its own set of challenges such as being capital-intensive, risky, and polluting.
Sustainable agriculture, however, offers a promising alternative. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a transformation is taking place on farms across the United States towards a more sustainable farming system. This system prioritizes environmental, economic, and social sustainability, allowing farms of all sizes to produce a diverse range of products adapted to local conditions and markets.
One example of a company embracing sustainable practices is Land O’Lakes, which has committed to on-farm sustainability assessments for all its dairy farmer-owners by 2025. By using technologies like satellites, automation, and GPS, they are able to reduce resource use, costs, and pollution while utilizing manure for fertilizer and energy.
While the transition to sustainable agriculture may require upfront costs and changes in production processes, it is crucial for the long-term health of both the environment and the economy. Public policies and incentives can play a key role in supporting farmers as they make this transition. By modernizing American agriculture and reducing its environmental impact, we can create a more resilient and competitive industry for the future.
