A2 RW Ch7 L1 · Feeding the World 🌾🍅

1In industrialized countries, the supermarket is where most people buy their food. It's where, in any season, almost anything can be bought. Strawberries in winter? Of course. Fresh dates from Morocco? No problem. For today's shoppers, the supermarket is their oyster.

2Who's responsible for this? In two words: industrialized agriculture, also known as factory farming. This is farming that uses machines to raise and produce animals and crops. Since the early 20th century, factory farming has grown thanks to tractors, pesticides, and other new farming practices. Unlike farms of the past, today's factory farms focus on one crop or animal and produce large amounts. In addition, better shipping methods mean that food from one part of the world can quickly get to another part. One benefit to consumers is a greater number of choices. Another is much lower prices. Another is simple abundance—factory farming can produce a lot of food. With the world's population expected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100, this is extremely important, according to supporters of factory farming.

3But not everyone is a fan of factory farms. Critics say that industrialized agriculture has pushed small farmers out of business, caused health problems, and led to global warming. It also involves the abuse and killing of millions of animals. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, uses farming practices that are kinder toward the environment, people, and animals. It believes that farming must not pollute the environment or use up natural resources. Specifically, some sustainable farms only sell their food locally—rather than trucking it across the country—to reduce carbon emissions, which cause global warming. Others avoid chemical pesticides by using ladybugs or providing habitats for bats, both of which kill crop-eating insects. And most will grow many different types of crops instead of just one. Increasing in popularity since the 1970s, sustainable farming argues that as more people live on Earth, it becomes more important to use resources wisely.

1In industrialized countries, the supermarket is where most people buy their food. It's where, in any season, almost anything can be bought. Strawberries in winter? Of course. Fresh dates from Morocco? No problem. For today's shoppers, the supermarket is their oyster.

2Who's responsible for this? In two words: industrialized agriculture, also known as factory farming. This is farming that uses machines to raise and produce animals and crops. Since the early 20th century, factory farming has grown thanks to tractors, pesticides, and other new farming practices. Unlike farms of the past, today's factory farms focus on one crop or animal and produce large amounts. In addition, better shipping methods mean that food from one part of the world can quickly get to another part. One benefit to consumers is a greater number of choices. Another is much lower prices. Another is simple abundance—factory farming can produce a lot of food. With the world's population expected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100, this is extremely important, according to supporters of factory farming.

3But not everyone is a fan of factory farms. Critics say that industrialized agriculture has pushed small farmers out of business, caused health problems, and led to global warming. It also involves the abuse and killing of millions of animals. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, uses farming practices that are kinder toward the environment, people, and animals. It believes that farming must not pollute the environment or use up natural resources. Specifically, some sustainable farms only sell their food locally—rather than trucking it across the country—to reduce carbon emissions, which cause global warming. Others avoid chemical pesticides by using ladybugs or providing habitats for bats, both of which kill crop-eating insects. And most will grow many different types of crops instead of just one. Increasing in popularity since the 1970s, sustainable farming argues that as more people live on Earth, it becomes more important to use resources wisely.

1In industrialized countries, the supermarket is where most people buy their food. It's where, in any season, almost anything can be bought. Strawberries in winter? Of course. Fresh dates from Morocco? No problem. For today's shoppers, the supermarket is their oyster.

2Who's responsible for this? In two words: industrialized agriculture, also known as factory farming. This is farming that uses machines to raise and produce animals and crops. Since the early 20th century, factory farming has grown thanks to tractors, pesticides, and other new farming practices. Unlike farms of the past, today's factory farms focus on one crop or animal and produce large amounts. In addition, better shipping methods mean that food from one part of the world can quickly get to another part. One benefit to consumers is a greater number of choices. Another is much lower prices. Another is simple abundance—factory farming can produce a lot of food. With the world's population expected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100, this is extremely important, according to supporters of factory farming.

3But not everyone is a fan of factory farms. Critics say that industrialized agriculture has pushed small farmers out of business, caused health problems, and led to global warming. It also involves the abuse and killing of millions of animals. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, uses farming practices that are kinder toward the environment, people, and animals. It believes that farming must not pollute the environment or use up natural resources. Specifically, some sustainable farms only sell their food locally—rather than trucking it across the country—to reduce carbon emissions, which cause global warming. Others avoid chemical pesticides by using ladybugs or providing habitats for bats, both of which kill crop-eating insects. And most will grow many different types of crops instead of just one. Increasing in popularity since the 1970s, sustainable farming argues that as more people live on Earth, it becomes more important to use resources wisely.

1In industrialized countries, the supermarket is where most people buy their food. It's where, in any season, almost anything can be bought. Strawberries in winter? Of course. Fresh dates from Morocco? No problem. For today's shoppers, the supermarket is their oyster.

2Who's responsible for this? In two words: industrialized agriculture, also known as factory farming. This is farming that uses machines to raise and produce animals and crops. Since the early 20th century, factory farming has grown thanks to tractors, pesticides, and other new farming practices. Unlike farms of the past, today's factory farms focus on one crop or animal and produce large amounts. In addition, better shipping methods mean that food from one part of the world can quickly get to another part. One benefit to consumers is a greater number of choices. Another is much lower prices. Another is simple abundance—factory farming can produce a lot of food. With the world's population expected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100, this is extremely important, according to supporters of factory farming.

3But not everyone is a fan of factory farms. Critics say that industrialized agriculture has pushed small farmers out of business, caused health problems, and led to global warming. It also involves the abuse and killing of millions of animals. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, uses farming practices that are kinder toward the environment, people, and animals. It believes that farming must not pollute the environment or use up natural resources. Specifically, some sustainable farms only sell their food locally—rather than trucking it across the country—to reduce carbon emissions, which cause global warming. Others avoid chemical pesticides by using ladybugs or providing habitats for bats, both of which kill crop-eating insects. And most will grow many different types of crops instead of just one. Increasing in popularity since the 1970s, sustainable farming argues that as more people live on Earth, it becomes more important to use resources wisely.