Agriculture and Food
How harmful is Genetic Engineering? Is relying on toxic chemicals the only way forward? Can 'business as usual' in agriculture provide food for the future?
Chemical-itensive agriculture is a problem that Greenpeace is campaigning to reduce. We work globally to promote food and agricultural techniques that are good for people and the planet.
The problem
These facts about our global food system demonstrate why we need to advocate for healthy food that is grown in harmony with the environment and is resilient to climate change:
Ten corporations control nearly 70% of the world's seed market, yet small-scale farmers produce the majority of the world’s food. Corporate control of agriculture means farmers have less choice.
Genetic Engineering does not feed the world. Over 99% of farmers around the world do not grow Genetically Engineered crops.
Industrial agriculture uses synthetic fertilizers and toxic chemicals that pollute vital water and soils.
Excessive use of synthetic fertilizers in industrial polluting agriculture contributes to climate change.
The solution
We believe that ecological farming is the solution. In a nutshell, it refers to ensuring healthy farming and food for today and tomorrow, by protecting soil, water and climate, promoting biodiversity, and not contaminating the environment with chemical inputs or genetic engineering.
Some benefits of ecologic farming:
- It keeps farming food production in the hands of farmers and away from corporate control.
- Ecological farming helps cope with climate change.
- Some 2.6 billion small-scale farmers already produce the majority of the world's food.
- Ecological farming is proven to be more profitable for farmers in studies from Europe, Africa, Asia and America.
How you can help
Join the Truefood Network: Run by the Safe Food Foundation, the True Food Network is a growing community of everyday Australians, chefs, food experts, farmers and community groups uniting to protect our food from genetic engineering.
Get the facts: Read the latest updates from our expert bloggers working around the world for ecological farming.