 Negative impact on soil, air, water, and biodiversity resources  Humans and human health also negatively impacted  Negative aspects cost US $ billion a year  this is not reflected in the cost of food  What are these negative impacts?

 Biodiversity loss Loss of habitat – drain wetlands, convert grasslands and forests, etc. Runoff kills aquatic life (fish) Exterminate predators (e.g. Wolves) Lose genetic diversity  monocultures GMOs “escape” and interbreed with native species

 Soil Loss of soil fertility Salinization of soil (becomes salty) Waterlogging Destertification Soil loss through erosion

 Air Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use Other air pollutants from fossil fuel use Air pollution from pesticide sprays Toxic odors from livestock waste

 Water Aquifer depletion Increased runoff due to clearing and plowing Sediment pollution from runoff Fish kills from pesticide runoff Surface and groundwater pollution from pesticides, antibiotics, and fertilizers Over-fertilization of lakes, rivers, and coastal oceans from fertilizers, animal wastes, and food processing wastes

 Human Health Nitrates in drinking water Pesticide contamination of food, water, and air Bacterial contamination of meat and produce (e.g. E. coli and salmonella) Exposure to growth hormones  possible link to increased risk of certain cancers Increased use of antibiotics  more antibiotic-resistant pathogens

 Pests reduce the quality and quantity of resources About 100 species cause 90% of crop damage worldwide Most commonly insects, but can be plants, animals, fungi, and microbes  Pesticides are chemicals that kill pests Includes herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides Often have unintended consequences on non-target species (e.g. DDT)  Farmers save $3-$5 in loses for every $1 spent on pesticides  Control many insect-borne diseases

 We use 33x more than in 1940s but lose 37% more of crops  Pesticide resistance  Farmers constantly trying newer and more toxic chemicals to stay ahead of pests  Pesticide treadmill

 Non-chemical pest strategies Rotating crops Move planting times Using “trap” crops Use plastic to stop weeds Habitat restoration Polycultures

 Biological Pest control Introducing predator bugs to kill pests Insect birth control – hormones pheromones Releasing sterile insects

Integrated Pest Management:  Educating farmers in using all the best practices to reduce pests to tolerable levels – maybe less profit but still profitable.  Ex – Indonesia: Banned 57 of 66 pesticides used on rice Stopped giving pesticide subsidies Used money saved to educate farmers on alternative pest control Results:  Pesticide use dropped by 65%  Rice production rose 15%  Government saved 1.2 billion in pesticide subsidies.

 Goal is to produce food on a sustainable basis and repair damage caused by destructive practices  Involves: Soil conservation – contour plowing, terracing, cover crops, mulch, reduced tillage Smaller-scale, low-input farming – family farms, community- supported agriculture (CSAs), farmer’s markets  Decreased quantity BUT decreased production costs  higher quality product (more $$$)

Conventional farmersOrganic farmers Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants. Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease. Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds. Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds. Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.

 100 percent organic: completely organic or made of all organic ingredients  Organic: at least 95 percent organic  Made with organic ingredients: at least 70 percent organic ingredients * The organic seal can't be used on these packages *  Foods with < 70 percent organic ingredients can't use the organic seal or the word "organic" on their product label. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list. Products must be >95% organic to have this seal

 Drawbacks: Lower crop yield More expensive food  Benefits: Environmentally friendly More Animal - Friendly Less exposure to pesticides (though not necessarily safer) Less transportation – think global, buy local! Supports small farmers and reduces “wealth gap”

12 Most Contaminated Foods 1. Strawberries 2. Bell peppers 3. Spinach 4. Cherries from US 5. Peaches 6. Cantaloupe from Mexico 7. Celery 8. Apples 9. Apricots 10. Green beans 11. Grapes from Chile 12. Cucumbers Source: Environmental Working Group, 2002