~SUSTAINABLE LIVING FOR CHALLENGING TIMES

[sumisu]

Many comments could be repeated, but I will restrict it to two!

"Conventional" farming isn't sustainable

"Chemical fertilizers are only so successful in controlling pests before they develop tolerances. Then, new stronger formulas need to be developed, which eventually taps out our soils. The short-term gains of conventional farming (i.e., cheaper prices) are actually reducing our chances to return to organic methods."

It should be added that chemical fertilizers compromise the vitality of the soil by destroying the beneficial fungi and beneficial microbes in the soil.

As time passes, chemical fertilizers will become less of an issue, as the world's great oil fields deplete. The world will then have to contend with supplying food, as the U.S. did up until 1945, from mostly gardens and many small local farms.


"Organic seeds are in danger"

"Four of the world’s largest agrochemical companies own a whopping 50% of the world’s farmed seeds—and they aren't breeding them for organic conditions. Just as we need to think about the soils, we also need to think about the seeds; conserving and developing crop genetic diversity is essential."

If the public would buy non-GMO products and/or if gardeners stick to using heirloom seeds or non-GMO seeds, then we win. The ball rests in our court, but the public is so ignorant of what they're buying. MOST of the world does not allow GMO products, so that's a big plus for the world.

Very important article. Thanks.

sumi

PS: This pictorial dates back to 2013 and really bothers me about the stupidity of the American public!