Above is an example of sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is defined as being the practice of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. This basically means that everything is farmed the good 'ole fashioned way. On the other hand there is industrial agriculture.
Above is an example of industrial agriculture
The definition for industrial agriculture is that it is a form of modern farming that refers to the industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops. This means that many animals are killed to supply the large population which means smaller living spaces for them and cheaper food, which can all result in disease and not a very good product. But by cutting these corners it allows manufacturers to sell the food at a much cheaper price.
Above is an example of a cow eating corn
Another example that I took from Food Inc. is that since cows are kept in such small spaces, instead of roaming around free like they should be, farmers are forced to feed them corn instead of grass. Now you might think that corn may be just as good, but its not because cows stomachs weren't meant to eat grains as it increases the pH level in there stomach's and invites bacteria. But farmers do it because it helps fatten up the cattle in a short amount of time.
Above is corn
An example of a crop that is made in an extreme abundance to help fill our needs is corn, now you might think that corn is just for eating straight of the cob. But if you look closely at the ingredients label on the back of your juice box, you will see fructose corn syrups. This is what is used as a sugar in many drinks, and since corn is such an easy and cheap crop farmers can grow plenty of it. But it doesn't stop at just foods, corn is also used in adhesives, tires, cosmetics, latex paint, insecticides, and a lot more.
Above is just a taste of how large the human population has gotten
I think that the agricultural industry can't keep up with the rapid growth of the global human population. This is because even though sustainable agriculture is all good, it takes a lot longer and it will be more expensive, then on the other hand you have industrial agriculture which will supply the population and be very affordable but at the same time its not good for you and with the rise in the population, farmers will be forced to make even more shortcuts, that could result in some very unhealthy product.
References
Food Inc. Directed by Robert Kenner
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