Agricultural Issues/Solutions Will, David, Felix and Masa

Global Issues Worldwide drought due to global warming is killing billions of dollars worth of crops Many areas are over farmed and farmers end up destroying the soil. Food dumping instead of teaching people to create a sustainable farming system for themselves. Food sources are being depleted due to rapid population growth

Loss of large portions of the South American rainforests have led to the destruction of the banana trade. Genetically engineered food is putting farmers out of business by taking away the need for actual farms. Production of food and food prices have become extremely volatile Unsustainable practices are providing environmental challenges.

Local Issues Canadian farming regulations are ten years back from other countries. In recent years, Canada’s share of the global wheat market has dropped to 15% from 23%. Only around 20% of Canadian farms are generating agricultural products Around 80% of farms are barely breaking even or losing money.

The agricultural department lacks major funding from the government. Out of 8 billion dollars spent by the government only around 300 million is spent on agriculture. Animal waste and fertilizer runoff contaminate the waterways 61 million acres of farmland has been treated with chemical fertilizer and 57 million acres have been treated with herbicides.

Global Solutions If the amount of forestland cleared each year were decreased, emissions could be cut by 500 million tonnes of carbon. No till farming is a way of growing crops which does not disturb the soil Using biofuel will slow the usage of fossil fuels.

Stop clear cutting for resources and instead find a safe way to farm without destroying everything. 50% of the worlds population depends on rice, genetically modified rice crops could alleviate many hunger problems and prevent famine. Networked soil sensors signal how much water and fertilizer are needed and when. Extensive land research on land use to improve farming technology.

Local Solutions Buffers such as trees, grass and shrubs around fields soak up nutrients before they reach a water body. Reducing the amount of times a field is tilled can preserve soil life and reduce soil erosion and compaction. Cover crops can prevent excess nutrients and nitrogen from going into the water and it also reduces soil erosion.

Keeping animals and their waste out of the rivers can prevent harmful substances out of the water and it also restores stream banks Proper drainage management will prevent nutrient loading and preserves local bodies of water.

Sources "Encyclopedia of the Nations." Canada Agriculture, Information about Agriculture in Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May "The Growing Problem: Canada Slips from Agricultural Superpower Status." The Globe and Mail. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May "EPA." The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2015.

"Combating Climate Change: Farming Out Global Warming Solutions." Scientific American Global RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May "Global Warming Solutions: Stop Deforestation." Union of Concerned Scientists. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May "New Vision for Agriculture." New Vision for Agriculture. Web. 1 June "Global Issues at the United Nations." UN News Center. UN. Web. 1 June 2015.