Sustainability Developments in “Big Ag” “Feeding Ourselves, Sustaining the Planet” May 16, 2012 By Cari B. Rincker, Esq.
Nov 16, 2014
Sustainability Developments in “Big Ag”
“Feeding Ourselves, Sustaining the Planet”May 16, 2012
By Cari B. Rincker, Esq.
Overview
• Definitions– What is “Big Ag?”– What is Sustainable
Agriculture?• 5 Key Aspects of
Sustainability in Agriculture
Definitions
What is “Big Ag”?• Farms owned by major U.S. corporations?
– 97% of farms are family-owned• Certain number of acres?
– Average U.S. farm size is 1046 acres• Certain threshold of gross sales?
– In 2011, average farm household had an annual net income of approximately $100K
– 85-95% of farmers supplement household income with off-farm income
– 82% of farming operations have less than $100K annual sales – 8% of farming operations have more than $250K of annual
sales
What is “Big Ag”?
“Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations”?– “Animal Feeding
Operations”? – Not “factory
farms”
What is “Big Ag”?
• Organic vs. Non-organic
• Use of technology?• Farmers who do not
sell direct to consumers?– Some (organic) CSA’s
in Long Island gross over $1 million a year
“Big Agriculture” Has Many Segments of the Industry
• Will be focusing on agriculture production• Will not be delving into other segments of the
industry – Seed dealers– Chemical producers– Food processors– Slaughter facilities– Grocery stores– Food transportation
What is “Sustainable” Agriculture?
What is Sustainable Agriculture?• Under 7 USC § 3103, “sustainable agriculture” means
an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long-term will:– Satisfy human food and fiber needs;– Enhance environmental quality & the natural resources;– Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and
on-farm resources and integrate, when appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
– Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and,– Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society.
Five Basic Elements• Food security;• Enhance environmental quality & the natural
resources;• Increase efficient use of nonrenewable
resources;• Improve economic viability; and,• Enhance the quality of life for farmers &
society
Food Security
Feeding the World (and Our Community)
World population expected to grow by 40% in next few decades.– 9 billion people by
2050
Feeding the World (and Our Community)
Challenges– Decreased supply of
farmland, – Decreased water supply,
and– Decreased supply of
energy– Average age of today’s
farmer is 55.3
Feeding the World (and Our Community)
• How Will Agriculture Meet the Future Food Demands?– Increase efficiency – Produce more food with same resources– Conserve more natural resources
• Farmland, water, energy• Decrease development & (sub)urban encroachment
– Produce a product that is more affordable consumers around the globe
– Improve the lives of farmers • Profitability
– Succession Planning
Not All Land Is Farmable• Two-thirds of the
earth’s land is not farmable
• Ruminant animals are able to graze that forage and convert it into human energy
Enhance Environmental Quality & the Natural Resources
Enhance Environmental Quality & the Natural Resources
• Crop rotation• Intensive/rotational Grazing• Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (“EQIP”)• Reducing erosion• Conservation Reserve Program
(“CRP”)• Farmers are motivated to
protect their assets. – Land– Water – Soil quality
Efficient Use of Nonrenewable Resources
Technological Advancements
• Decreased Tillage– “No Till” farming– “Strip till” farming– “Medium till”
farming
Biotechnology
Seed technologies imbedding genes have reduced requirements for insecticides and herbicides
Efficient Use of Nonrenewable Resources
Enhance Economic Viability
Enhance Economic Viability
In order to be sustainable, farms have to make money. Profit is not a bad word when we talk about sustainability.
Enhance Economic Viability
• Precision Farming– Variable rate
technology– Global Positioning
Systems (GPS)
Biotechnology with Livestock
• Selection based on genetics & breeds
• Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)
• Artificial insemination• Embryo transfers• Genetic DNA Markers • Ultrasound data
Quality of LifeFarmers want to pass their farm down to future generations. – Requires:
• Maintaining land & water health;
• Having a viable business model;• Having tax structure that
encourages the succession of family farms
• Having proper regulatory balance
• Succession planning
Quality of LifeTechnological advances have contributed to enhancing the quality of life of farms and farm workers – Allowing them to do
more in less time– Safer farm conditions
Contact Me• Send Mail: 535 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY
10017• Call : (212) 427-2049 • Email: [email protected]• Subscribe to the Food & Ag Law Blog:
www.rinckerlaw.com/blog• Tweet: @CariRincker @RinckerLaw• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rinckerlaw • Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/caririncker