Feed: a food systems podcast 3. Do we need fossil agrochemicals to feed the world?
Oct 31, 2024
Joanna Larson, a fourth-generation farmer from North Dakota, shares her journey towards sustainable farming, highlighting the shift from traditional to eco-friendly practices. Lisa Tostado, an agrochemicals campaigner, explains the fossil fuel roots of fertilizers, challenging the reliance on these inputs for food production. Christine Delivanis emphasizes the need for farmer education to combat fertilizer overuse. Together, they explore innovative strategies to reduce dependency on fossil agrochemicals and discuss the future of sustainable agriculture.
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Larson Family Farm History
- Joanna Larson's family farm transitioned from diverse crops and livestock to mainly wheat due to economic pressures.
- They adopted synthetic fertilizers for higher yields, impacting soil health and creating fossil fuel dependence.
Agrochemical Impacts
- Agrochemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, have drastically increased in global usage.
- Nitrogen fertilizers' climate impact surpasses commercial aviation's, linking food prices to fossil fuel costs.
Fossil Fuel Origins of Agrochemicals
- Most nitrogen fertilizers are fossil fuel-based, requiring fossil gas or coal for production.
- Synthetic pesticides, also derived from fossil fuels, are highly toxic.