By Sarah Phillips
The climate of our world is changing. Ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising and average temperature is increasing.
Something else also is increasing — the world’s population. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be nine billion people to feed. In a global community facing two major issues, both occurring at the same time, everyone is turning to one group of people. This group not only is getting the blame, but, at the same time, is being pressed for solutions.
In the face of rising prices on a limited number of resources, people are pointing the blame on people other than themselves. Unfortunately, farmers and those in the agriculture and food industry are receiving a large amount of the criticism. Citing poor soil management and the wasting of water, farmers are continually called to action to change their ways and do their part to help the planet.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, rising average temperatures will make daily life for livestock more difficult. Additionally, higher temperatures also will increase the rate of crop failure.
For a lifestyle that is already becoming increasingly more challenging, the criticism of communities does nothing but destroy the hope with which farmers are left.
Have you driven in a car? Have you bought clothing at a store? If we all do these things, then why are we placing the blame for climate change on one group of people, when we all are responsible for contributing to the problem?
What about techniques like irrigation or crop rotation? Irrigation is a method used to transport water directly to the source and therefore limits the use of excess water. Crop rotation is the strategic planning of planting and moving specific crops to revitalize the soil in a natural way without having to depend on too many unnatural fertilizers. These are just two examples of how farmers are trying to reduce their impact on the climate.
Farmers need support. If they do not receive this support, they cannot be expected to produce more food for more people. And this does not take into account the fact that they are expected to do so on less land than ever before.
Companies are making efforts to develop new ways to produce more food, but these new ways also are criticized in the extreme.
Monsanto, a company known for its genetically modified (GM) crops, has been creating seeds that can successfully grow in many different climates. This could potentially solve the world hunger issue. If there is not a solution soon — one that people support or are at least willing to try — the world is going to be facing a food crisis. There are already many, many people who are unsure from where they will get their next meal. Are we prepared to turn our heads to potential solutions and risk even more people going hungry?
It is time to make a choice. Farmers and leaders in the agriculture and food industry need support to make a change. They already are working at perfecting their efforts at sustainable farming techniques, and now they are working on feeding the world.
Imagine what could be accomplished if everyone stood behind the necessary work that farmers do for the world.
Sarah Phillips grew up in West Amwell Township. A 2011 graduate of South Hunterdon Regional High School, she is a college freshman enrolled in an environmental science class.
