The information covered on sustainable agriculture in this class alone demonstrates that we are not lacking in knowledge on how to regenerative farm, on how to work with the environment rather than against it. Our agricultural systems are, however, lacking in incentives and motivation to switch over to these new ways of farming. Similar to the Just Transitions proposed for the fossil fuel industries, which operates with a framework that secures workers rights and livelihoods when transitioning to more sustainable industries, we need more policies and funding in place for a Just Transition in agriculture. Instead of nonsensical and short-sighted farming subsidies, such as those which subsidize growing the crops used to feed animals in feedlots, there needs to be more funding for farming practices that will work to solve, rather than exacerbate, the climate crisis, and the introduction of these new subsidies must serve to support rather than to villanize those farmers who have been monoculture farming for generations. The knowledge and experience of monoculture farmers can be very valuable; the issue is that it, for the most part, won't be applied to more sustainable practices unless governments step up to support these farmers in transitioning their livelihoods.
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thank you for bringing up how to bring in Justice! Farming is a historically discriminatory industry, but relies heavily on the work and knowledge of minority populations :) supporting the education and outreach to a wide variety of farming communities would aid in food security and more equitable food systems.
Love your perspective here Sophia. I like the idea of extending the concept of a "Just Transition" to everyone, workers in all sectors, including those in agriculture. I think when we think of climate change, maybe agriculture doesn't come to mind right away, even though as you described, most of us understand the links between climate change and the agriculture industry...which I find interesting. But I do love the idea of helping farmers along the way to a more sustainable future, just as we plan to do for the folks in other industries. These large industries that contribute significant amounts to the climate crisis will all require large overhauls to their systems in order to have them functioning in ways that are helping us solve the climate crisis and not working to worsen it. This is a big ambition but one worth believing in and striving towards!
Great post Sophia! A just-transition for agriculture is much needed. We cannot expect farmers, who already have an unstable source of income, to revolutionize their practices from monoculture farming to chemical-free, diverse polyculture farming. With increasing climate risks, such as flooding and droughts, farmers will be exposed to an increasingly unsteady supply of income. Governments must step up and provide the necessary resources to farmers in order to ensure the sustainability and resilience of our food systems.
I agree governments need to help farmers transition to more sustainable practices!
Totally agree that we need to prioritize long-term sustainability over short term profit found in conventional farming. Agriculture requires an overhaul toward eco-friendly caretaking of the earth and soil, rather than its continuous deterioration for profit.
Great post! You made great points here! I totally agree that the we need more policies and funding in order to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices.
I agree that the government needs to do a better job in supporting the transition of farmers to polycultures.