One debate that frequently pops up in discussions on my timeline--generally when I post about GMOS and/or pesticides--is that of small/communal farming (and sustainability) VS large-scale farming, industrialized farming. I regularly see an argument between those who favor a system consisting of very large quantities of small, family owned or communal farms alongside gardening (urban farmers and whatnot), and see this as a sustainable model that can (massively) reduce the need for industrial/large scale farming. On the other hand, Ive also seen many people argue that this model is ridiculously idealistic and impractical for feeding large quantities of people, even if it may work well for individuals, and that large scale, industrialized agriculture is necessary for a growing population. Unfortunately, neither side tends to present data when arguing about this matter, just rhetoric. Are these Jeffersonian idealists living in the past, or is this is a sustainable model of agriculture that can feed large quantities of people? Thoughts? Evidence? :P
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 17:50:53 +0000