Introduction
Appalachia:The Cradle of Sustainable Agriculture?
Since people first began agricultural production, it has supported population growth and given us the foundation for the modern world we live in today. As we have discussed in previous presentations and classes, the world’s population has been climbing at an exponential rate, and more people means the need for an equal (if not greater) growth in food production.
Agriculture has also been one of the greatest agents of biodiversity loss. Agri-business has the same priorities as other businesses, and that is to maximize profits with often little to no thought of the environmental damages that may result from expansion.
Agricultural expansion has been one of the major culprits of biodiversity loss around the world, and continues to be a major threat. This is a very serious externality because biodiversity is integral to a healthy ecosystem, and an ecosystem that we are very much dependent upon. Biodiversity is essential to maintaining a healthy planet, and in doing so, ensuring food security.
Agriculture has also been one of the greatest agents of biodiversity loss. Agri-business has the same priorities as other businesses, and that is to maximize profits with often little to no thought of the environmental damages that may result from expansion.
Agricultural expansion has been one of the major culprits of biodiversity loss around the world, and continues to be a major threat. This is a very serious externality because biodiversity is integral to a healthy ecosystem, and an ecosystem that we are very much dependent upon. Biodiversity is essential to maintaining a healthy planet, and in doing so, ensuring food security.