Food for All

The Need for a New Agriculture

John Madeley

What kind of agriculture do we need to feed the world? World leaders have come up with yet another target–to half, not end, hunger by the year 2015. How is this to be achieved when other such targets were ignored? And what about animal diseases like BSE, foot and mouth disease and salmonella; declining food variety and quality; and disappearing topsoil, hedgerows and biodiversity in rural areas? Better acces to land and more equitable income distribution are part of the solution. The other is to move away from monoculture production system monopolized by a handful of giant corporations. John Madeley argues for the spread of a low-external input approach, a reintegration of traditional farming techniques, new farming practices like organic agriculture and permaculture, and a range of ‘green’ technologies to offer a more viable livelihood too farmers, food for the hungry, and safe and good tasting food for the rest of us.

About the Author

John Madeley is a writer and broadcaster specializing in development and enviromental issues. He contributes to the Observer, Guardian and Financial Times and to many volunteer organizations.