industrial agriculture vs. sustainable agriculture

In the midst of our fast-paced life, is the public in the know about how our food is grown?

Currently the more widespread form of agriculture is industrial agriculture. Here, the industrialised production of crops, livestock, etc. is looked at from a 'factory' viewpoint. Industrial agriculture focuses on generating high yield for very little money and space. In turn, the prices for food remain low for consumers; exports to foreign countries will be abundant; and feed for the animals also remains cheap. However, as you might have guessed, industrial agriculture relies heavily on growth hormones, chemicals and pesticides, which have been linked to elevated cancer risks¹. They rely on a monoculture system of crops and raise only a few specific animals, thus reducing biodiversity within these environments. In addition, the animals are raised in very overcrowded, compact spaces that are often extremely unclean. Because they live in such conditions, they are prone to contracting many diseases.

Alternatively, sustainable agriculture is focused on understanding nature as a functioning ecosystem. In other words, sustainable agriculture looks at ecosystems as a natural aspect of life that must be preserved. The welfare of the animals is one of the top priorities: a wide variety of plants and livestock are raised within these sustainable environments, and they are treated fairly and humanely. While food grown on sustainable farms may cost a little more, it is worth considering that everything is grown naturally, with no hormones, pesticides or chemicals to speed up the process. The animals are allowed to feed, graze, etc., as they please. It is also worth mentioning that since the animals live in a healthy environment, so do the workers—they work in a much safer environment than within industrial agriculture. Food grown in these sustainable environments is much healthier and better for you in every way.

The way I see it, while sustainable agriculture aims to imitate natural ecosystems, the processes that function within the industrial agricultural environment are a result of human intervention and control.
As such, it's easy to wonder why industrialising agriculture is the more common method of growing our food. Our growing population is a factor—of course as the nation grows, so does the demand for food and produce. But considering the repercussions that come from industrial agriculture, are we really willing to risk reducing biodiversity? Do we really want to further compromise the animals'—and our own—health and welfare, just so we can save a few dollars the next time we head to the shops? I say we should look into sustaining agriculture as opposed to industrialising it. The costs of the produce that come from sustainable farms may even be lowered as we invest more and more into it in the future. It's an available alternative that is well worth getting involved in, to ensure our earth's longevity and welfare.

References:
1.)How Sustainable Agriculture Can Address the Environmental and Human Health Harms of Industrial Agriculture
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_industrial_agriculture/industrial-agriculture-features.html
http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm
http://www.alternet.org/story/13900/
http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/comparison

Blogs I commented on:
Industrial or Sustainable Agriculture - Which is the way to go?
Industrial Agriculture & Sustainable Agriculture