Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Political Connection
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When people think of farming, they often imagine vast fields in remote locations filled with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, and they may picture farmers as outdated figures clinging to old ways. However, what if these assumptions could be challenged? Could American agriculture evolve from being deemed "stale" and "outdated" into a sector that influences nearly every significant political issue of our time?
Support for Donald Trump and other Republican candidates has come notably from farmers and ranchers. Are their policies genuinely benefiting American family farms, or are they merely providing temporary fixes for the economic struggles faced in rural areas? Meanwhile, why do Democratic leaders often neglect to emphasize farmer-friendly legislation in the broader conversation about American prosperity?
Despite U.S. farm subsidies averaging around $20 billion each year, most of these funds support grain and legume production. Alarmingly, a small number of agribusiness corporations dominate food production and seed supply in the country, including major players like Bayer/Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, John Deere, BASF, and Cargill.
This concentration has resulted in relatively low food prices in America, often at the cost of quality. The major concern is the absence of innovation. If agribusiness continues to rely solely on traditional outdoor farming methods, particularly in areas prone to drought, the future of our food supply could be in jeopardy. Furthermore, increased mergers among these corporations could lead to higher prices and a concentration of food resources in the hands of a few.
With the 2023 Farm Bill on the horizon, there is a pivotal chance to establish a sustainable future for our food systems. While the complete elimination of large agribusinesses may not be feasible, there is a unique opportunity for lawmakers from both parties to leverage science, technology, and entrepreneurship, ultimately transforming U.S. agriculture into a genuinely competitive and open market.
It’s essential for policy advisors to the Biden Administration to recognize that agriculture can be linked to numerous significant political issues affecting America today.
JOB CREATION
Innovative food production methods will invariably create new job opportunities. As scientific advancements occur, crops can be cultivated in indoor farms or even lab environments. While automation will play a role, the research and quality control necessary for safe crop production cannot be entirely replaced by AI.
Traditional outdoor farming will continue to thrive; this is not about shutting down family-owned farms in rural areas. Smaller and mid-sized farms should be eligible for grants and low-interest loans to support their expansion.
If farmers prefer not to engage in indoor farming, they must be encouraged to adopt regenerative practices like agroforestry, adaptive multi-paddock grazing, or permaculture. Urban areas can also benefit by establishing commercial urban farming initiatives, similar to Cleveland's Ohio City Farm or Baltimore's Real Food Farm.
However, these advancements require capital, which many small and medium-sized farmers lack. Federal support through the USDA for these initiatives would mitigate risks and diversify our food sources. As their operations expand, these farmers will need to hire additional staff.
Are you paying attention, Secretary Vilsack? Secretary Raimondo? Secretary Walsh?
CLIMATE CHANGE
Farms implementing practices like reforestation, soil revitalization, and biochar production contribute to carbon sequestration. These "carbon farming" techniques are gaining traction among larger agribusinesses, but smaller farms require financial incentives to transition without risking bankruptcy. It's vital that farms remain profitable to survive.
American demand for beef, pork, and poultry will persist. For those advocating for reduced meat consumption, the crop diversity that can arise from carbon-capture farming should support that goal.
People will not entirely abandon meat; however, improved access to diverse, nutrient-rich crops will benefit the environment.
Can you see the potential, Secretary Regan?
HEALTH CARE
Healthier diets resulting from a more localized and diverse food supply will likely lead to lower obesity, hypertension, and cancer rates, ultimately reducing healthcare costs. The physical health benefits are evident, but the mental health advantages associated with employment in sustainable industries should also be acknowledged.
Sustainable agriculture is not a replacement for comprehensive healthcare reform. Rather, they complement each other.
Will you support this, Secretary Becerra?
FAIR TRADE
For farmers to earn a viable income, they must export their products. Relying too heavily on imports for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops exposes America to international economic fluctuations.
The answer is straightforward: American farms need to grow more of these products to foster competition and curb price inflation. In cooler U.S. states, reliable indoor farming techniques must become commonplace, which requires more investment in research and development.
Picture a future where papayas are grown hydroponically in winter in Pennsylvania, or a large indoor cacao breeding facility in Wyoming. We are not there yet, but without investment, we will never get there.
Increased U.S. crop diversity will strengthen our position in future trade negotiations, benefiting American businesses of all sizes.
Can this be arranged, Secretary Tai?
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
As fossil fuel resources dwindle, society must develop new energy sources. Wouldn't it be prudent for Americans to lead the way in these emerging industries?
Many of tomorrow's energy solutions can be cultivated today on farms, extending beyond traditional sources like wind and solar.
Biomass, biofuels, coastal wave energy, and geothermal energy represent just a few of the innovative power sources that could be produced on regenerative farms or aquaculture facilities. These materials could also be used to create alternatives to plastics, harvested long before fossil fuels become obsolete.
Is this a feasible path, Secretary Granholm?
WATER PROTECTION
Innovative farming methods such as hydroponics and aeroponics use significantly less water than traditional agriculture. While there is still a need for cost-effective scaling of indoor farming, production shielded from environmental factors can help conserve our lakes and rivers.
For those who prefer outdoor farming, techniques like drip irrigation and phytoremediation can enhance efficiency while saving water.
Isn’t it time for this, Secretary Haaland?
EDUCATION
Preparing future generations of farmers is crucial. For the Millennial, Zoomer, and Alpha generations to take on this responsibility, agricultural science must be more integrated into educational curricula. This can be achieved through classroom electives and after-school programs across various educational institutions.
Incorporating gardening and "living laboratories" into K-12 schools and colleges will inspire students to pursue careers in fields like entomology, agronomy, and sustainable engineering, ensuring innovation continues well into the future.
Moreover, these educational advancements will create additional jobs for the infrastructure needed to support these initiatives.
Do you see the value in this, Secretary Cardona? Secretary Buttigieg?
Agri-sustainability presents an opportunity to promote business growth and scientific advancement, while also benefiting citizens across every U.S. state and territory. When the Biden/Harris Administration speaks of "fighting for the soul of our nation," what better method exists than to engage Americans in transforming this vital economic and cultural sector?
Stay tuned for my upcoming article on how the 2023 Farm Bill can incorporate these essential reforms.