Agriculture is the cultivation of land and the breeding of both animals and plants for the purpose of sustaining life. The development of agriculture allowed the expansion and growth of the human race. The major agricultural products are grouped into foods, fuels, fibres and raw materials. then sub-groups such as cereals, vegetables, fruits oils etc. within food.
Modern
Modern agronomy, plant breeding, pesticides and fertilisers have massive enhanced the yields from cultivation. However, the effects of these have caused widespread ecological and environmental damage. Problems are also present when concerning selective breeding. Although the results are prosperous there are active concerns about animal welfare. Backlash against the environmental effects of conventional agriculture. This resulting in organic, regenerative and sustainable agricultural movements.
The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore damaged ecosystems and bring nature back across Europe, as well as reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030.
The Scottish Government has offered £50 as an incentive for every farmer and crofter to complete the ‘Testing Actions for Sustainable Farming’ survey in an attempt to prepare farmers for future agricultural policy.
Curtis R Youngs, Professor & M.E. Ensminger Endowed Chair of International Animal Agriculture, continues the discussion of the challenges of global food security.
David Green, Executive Director at The U.S. Sustainability Alliance, argues that technology and innovation in agriculture can feed the world, but if only we let it.
Professor Dr Apichart Vanavichit, Director of the Rice Science Center, reflects on the decade since the most important gene of fragrance rice was uncovered.
Jeremy MacMahon, Yi-Hua Tsai, and Pamela Lein from the Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, explore how shellfish poisoning is affecting human and animal health.
Looking towards technology within agriculture, smart technologies could soon be harnessed in the farming sector to benefit both businesses and societies.
India and Pakistan and other significantly large parts of South Asia have experienced prolonged, early heat, due to extreme weather conditions and climate change.