Objective 2.02 Compare the current and future issues in global agriculture.

Global outlook The world population will continue to grow with expectations of 9 billion humans on the planet by More children survive to adulthood worldwide. More adults are living longer worldwide. Population growth will: Add stress to environmental systems of air, water, soil and natural resources. Create challenges to meet demands for food and fiber.

Global outlook Examples of agriscience research to meet these demands: Genetically engineered crops a bio-engineered tomato that resists rotting New fuel sources biodiesel from animal fat Human nutrition decreasing the amount of animal fat in the diet and raising the proportion of fat from vegetable sources Satellite technology (gps) determine various nutrient levels/deficiencies in plants

Trends and Issues in Global Agriculture Agriculture will always be an essential industry. Food is essential to life an iPad is not Clothing and shelter are basic needs of humans smartphones are not

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues Food Insecurity Global importance Defined as not knowing where a human will find their next meal the situation where people need to live with hunger and fear starvation Food insecurity results from several factors Climate issues Urban development Corrupt governments Population growth Oil price shifts

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues Sustainability We must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues Organic Food Production Crops are raised without using most conventional pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers Animals must be fed organic feed and be given access to the outdoors Antibiotics and growth hormones may not be used in organic production Accounts for more than 3% of all U.S. food sales

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues GMO’s Genetically modified organisms Combining genes from different organisms results in an organism being called genetically modified or transgenic Controversies surrounding this practice include safety, ethics, labeling and others European countries will not purchase GMO foods from the US Fewer exports

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues Local Food Movement Can be defined in terms of geographic proximity of producer to consumer. Is a very popular concept in regards to food safety, food freshness, and reduction of environmental impact due to shorter shipping distances

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) Direct-to-consumer programs Buy shares of a farms projected harvest Pay for their share of the harvest up front Distributes risk between the farmer and the consumers Pick up their share regularly in a communal location or the shares are delivered directly USDA estimates as many as 2500 CSA’s are operating nationally

Examples of current/future agriculture related issues Water (quantity and quality) US water shortages are a major issue in the western portion of the nation where expanding cities needs are competing with farmers needs for the same water resources The aquifer that underlies Long Island represents the only drinking water for the 3 million plus residents Southeastern US, including North Carolina, Water Wars have become common place In Third World countries a safe water supply is a luxury Most areas of the world, supplies of safe water have become generally insufficient because of misuse, poor management, waste, pollution and climate change

2 year agriculturally related degree programs in NC Aquaculture Technology Equine Business and Training Fish and Wildlife Management Technology Forest Management Technology Golf Course Management Greenhouse and Grounds Maintenance Horticulture Technology Landscape Gardening Marine Sciences Poultry Management Sustainable Agriculture

2 year agriculturally related degree programs in NC Swine Management Turfgrass Management Viticulture Technology Agricultural Biotechnology Environmental Science Biotechnology Agribusiness Management Field Crops Technology General Agriculture Livestock and Poultry Management

Examples of 4 year agriculturally related degree programs in NC Agricultural Economics Agricultural Education Animal Science Biological Engineering Landscape Architecture Agricultural and Environmental Technology Food Science Plant and Soil Science Poultry Science Genetics Horticultural Science