David Zilberman

from ARE Update Vol. 24, No. 6, Jul/Aug, 2021

View Article PDF: Science-Based Agriculture for Expanding Food Production and Sustainability

Abstract

Agriculture in this century will be challenged to feed at least 3 billion more people while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and improving rural well-being. Critics of modern agriculture contest the use of chemicals and biotechnology solutions and promote local, organic, “ecological” agriculture. This paper argues that science-based modern agriculture has been a major success, yet has its drawbacks. We recommend that agriculture pursue a “sustainable growth policy,” blending local knowledge with modern science to develop solutions that recognize heterogeneity across locations and societies.

Keywords

Innovation, biotechnology, sustainability, productivity, climate change, precision

Citation

David Zilberman. 2021. "Science-Based Agriculture for Expanding Food Production and Sustainability." ARE Update 24(6): 1-4. University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics.
https://giannini.ucop.edu/filer/file/1629132450/20132/