Agrobiodiversity is Not Just Another Big Word

Industrial agriculture has led to a huge loss of biodiversity in our crops. We all know biodiversity is important for the ecosystem and the environment, but why does it matter to us as individuals? Who cares if a farmer wants to plant a thousand acres of the same plant? Disregarding all negative environmental impacts our current system has, this article will focus on the effects our system has on you, the consumer:

1. Mass-produced food lacks variety

In 1903, farmers had a selection of 408 different pea varieties; today, that number has dropped to just 25 (Muir). Even with their 25 varieties to choose from, by 1970, 96% of our peas came from just two different seed varieties (Muir). This leaves you, the consumer, left with just two choices, unless you decide to venture out to your local farmers market or into a specialty grocery store to look for that remaining 4% of diverse peas. Unfortunately, most of our other food crops have similar stories, because we have lost about 75% of our plants’ genetic diversity in the last century or so ("WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AGROBIODIVERSITY?").

1. There is more deserving food out there

It is estimated that over 250,000 plants are edible ("WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AGROBIODIVERSITY?"). Humans use about 150 to 200 of these plants, but only three crops make up 60% of the worlds energy intake: corn, wheat, and rice ("Dimensions of Need - Staple Foods: What Do People Eat?"). However, foods like quinoa, breadfruit, and amaranth all provide equal or more nutritional value than these industrialized foods (Stallins). Additionally, these foods are easy to grow because they are extremely resilient (Stallins).

1. Industrial food is not as nutritious.

Wait, so your ear of corn that was harvested on a thousand-acre farm that only grows corn, is not as healthy as sustainably grown corn? That is interesting. Studies are showing that our produce today is facing 5-40% (depending on the crop) reductions in minerals than our previous produce (Davis). Additionally, landraces (those pesky varieties we got rid of) may have over 100 times more phytonutrients than their industrialized cousins (Stallins).

Sustainable agriculture is so much more than being environmentally friendly—it is also better for the individual consumers that eat these foods. Supporting your local farmer by purchasing your food at the farmers market is a great way to try new and more nutritious foods. If you really want to wow your guests at your next dinner party, try contributing a side of purple Peruvian mashed potatoes and blue corn. Then, brag about how much healthier your food is than their iceberg lettuce salad that they contributed. They will thank you later.

#health #biodiversity #nutrition #variety