heir practices in order to supply the demand. (Fox, 1997) We need to continue to search for better and safer methods of waste disposal. We also should relentlessly pursue other replacements for those same chemicals that are not harmful to soils and water. We should spend the time and money it takes to research and educate the public on the harmful effects of erosion, pollution, deforestation, over cultivation, and overgrazing. We need to search for more cost-effective and natural farming the latest, safest, and most productive methods. Research is the key. (Brockway, 1992) Finally, we must elect officials that will legislate to help ensure that our topsoil will be protected. The government should get involved and keep a closer eye to insure that large companies do not continue to threaten the environment. Topsoil take hundreds of years to form. We need manage and protect them. In Eating With Conscience, JP Madden said it best, “Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy society.” (pg. 89)GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS Agriculture has become big business in our country. It equates to approximately 4700 billion annually and makes up 17% of our gross national product (GNP). The enormous demands for products of agriculture have helped to industrialize agriculture. Despite the negative aspects from this type of agriculture, we are managing to export these methods internationally. (Fox, 1997) In 1996, under the Agriculture Export Enhancement Program, they gave few of our industrialized agriculture corporations millions of dollars to encourage the use of their industrial farming practices abroad in countries like China, Russia, Asia, and South America. Deforestation, moncroping, pesticide use, erosion, pollution, overgrazing, and overcultivation are all products of industrialized agriculture. We are now effectively advocating non-sustainable agriculture worldwide, all in the name of ...
