Sustainable intensive agriculture

Sustainable intensive agriculture is a paradigm of food production that meets the five criteria of sustainable agriculture[1] by focusing on modern science and technology, with the aim of meeting the food needs of a fast increasing global population.[2]

The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, defines sustainable agriculture “as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application”[1] Its purpose over the long-term is to:

  1. satisfy human food and fiber needs
  2. enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
  3. make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
  4. sustain the economic viability of farm operations
  5. enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole

A more simple definition of sustainable agriculture suggested by UNESCO is “production practices and systems which are environmentally sound and economically and socially viable.” Therefore, “corresponding agricultural cropping systems and management practices would aim at high product quality standards and have an intergenerational time horizon.”[3]

"sustainable intensive agriculture emphasizes that modern science and modern technology are crucial components in achieving sustainable agriculture. Sustainable intensive agriculture builds upon the agricultural developments of the past century and modifies those developments to better account for advances in scientific knowledge and technological advances affecting agriculture. By building and modifying these developments, sustainable intensive agriculture aims to increase agricultural productivity, reduce negative agricultural impacts on the environment, improve agri-cultural prosperity, and enhance societal benefits through abundant, affordable, safe, and nutritious foods, fibers, fuels, and other agricultural products."

— Drew L. Kershen, 2013[2]

Based upon malthusian estimates, the Earth's human population is expected to rise by two billion persons by 2050, [4] therefore increasing demand for food. In addition, rising per capita incomes, and the competing demand for biofuel crops; and the deficiencies of supply caused by rising input prices, land and water scarcity and deterioration, slowing productivity gains and climate change[2] call for a better, more intensive and sustainable food production worldwide.

Some of the key technologies suggested for a sustainable and high efficient use of agriculture re-sources include but are not limited to:

  • new kinds of fertilizers
  • degradable films for agricultural use
  • novel bio-regulators
  • soil conditioners
  • new water-saving equipment and new fertilizing equipment
  • high-efficient, water-saving tools for increasing yields

Relevant technologies also include integrated management of crop disease, pests and mice, comprehensive control of major animal diseases, preventing and reducing climate disaster in ag-riculture, developing and producing of new pesticides, biological herbicides and vaccines.[5]

Sustainable intensive agriculture embraces science and technology for agricultural development, holding the belief that the threats with which humanity is confronted, namely illness, famine, poverty, war, and death, may be alleviated thanks to an agricultural system that provides plentiful food, fodder, fiber, fuel, and food security.[2]

References
  1. National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, nifa.usda.gov. Retrieved 5 September 2019 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/national-agricultural-research-extension-and-teaching-policy-act-1977
  2. Drew L. Kershen. "The Contested Vision for Agriculture's Future: Sustainable Intensive Agriculture and Agroecology" Drew L. Kershen, University of Oklahoma College of Law.(2013) Retrieved 5 September 2019. https://works.bepress.com/drew_kershen/122/
  3. International ERSEC Conference on Resource Management for Sustainable Intensive Agriculture Systems: Promoting Environmentally-friendly Agricultural Production in China, 1st, Beijing, 2004, Unesco Digital Library. Retrieved 5 September 2019 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000141383
  4. World Population Prospects 2019: Highlights, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Retrieved 5 September 2019. https://www.un.org/development/desa/publications/world-population-prospects-2019-highlights.html
  5. Qu Dongyu, The Role of Science and Technology in Developing Intensive and Sustainable Agriculture in China in International ERSEC Conference on Resource Management for Sustainable Intensive Agriculture Systems: Promoting Environmentally-friendly Agricultural Production in China, 1st, Beijing, 2004, Unesco Digital Library. Retrieved 5 September 2019 https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000141383
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