Posted on by Sonny Cohen
The USDA estimates that this year, 91.7 million acres of U.S. farmland are devoted to planting corn (equal to about three New York states), and another 81.5 million acres are planted with soybeans. Corn and soybeans are our two largest food crops, and the role they have on our food supply is truly staggering. They are found in a wide variety of food groups, including:
Breads and pastries — soy and corn products are pervasive in baking.
Meats and dairy — corn and soy are staples for livestock feed, and can be contained in an array of processed meats, dairy replacements and other foods.
Fish — farmed fish, like salmon, tilapia and catfish, are fed corn and soy.
Fruits and vegetables — the waxy coatings found on some produce are derived from corn.
Juices and other beverages — citric acid, ascorbic acid, and the sweetener high fructose corn syrup are made from corn.
But corn isn’t just a food source. The federally mandated use of corn ethanol in gasoline extends corn’s influence to the energy sector as well.
It is clear then that living without corn and soy and the products derived from them is nearly impossible. But we can—and should—consider the environmental impact of so much land being devoted to these two crops.
Millions of acres of environmentally sensitive farmland have been lost, despite three decades of a federal program meant to protect such land, according to Kay MacDonald of Big Picture Agriculture. Loss of land to soybean and corn fields means habitat loss for local flora and fauna. Increased agricultural development has led to significant declines in grassland bird populations in the native prairie of the Upper Midwest, according to a University of Michigan study. In addition, both corn and soybeans also require using copious quantities of fertilizers and pesticides, which are derived from fossil fuels.
Driving this major national commitment to these two crops are in large part the huge federal subsidies to corn and soybean farmers. So what can you do to help?
Express your outrage to your elected officials over these farm subsidies and their influence on our food supply.
Buy seasonally whenever possible, for example, by supporting your local farmer’s market and paying close attention to ingredient labels.
Prepare your food at home to the extent possible, and take back control over your table.
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As an agricultural expert deeply immersed in the intricacies of our food system, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a profound understanding of the subject matter. My expertise spans the cultivation of major crops, the environmental impact of agricultural practices, and the intricate web that connects our food choices to broader issues like government subsidies and habitat loss. Allow me to shed light on the key concepts embedded in the article posted on July 6, 2014, by Sonny Cohen.
1. Corn and Soy as Dominant Crops: The USDA's estimation of 91.7 million acres for corn and 81.5 million acres for soybeans underscores the pivotal role these crops play in U.S. agriculture. Their dominance in the food supply is staggering, influencing various food groups, from bread and pastries to meats, dairy, and even beverages. This pervasive presence is a testament to the ubiquity of corn and soy derivatives in our daily diet.
2. Corn and Soy in Livestock Feed: Livestock, including farmed fish like salmon, tilapia, and catfish, rely heavily on corn and soy as staples in their feed. This connection between crop cultivation and animal agriculture highlights the interconnectedness of various segments of the food industry.
3. Corn's Role in Energy: Beyond being a food source, corn's influence extends to the energy sector through the federally mandated use of corn ethanol in gasoline. This demonstrates the multifaceted impact of these crops on different aspects of our daily lives.
4. Environmental Impact and Habitat Loss: The article draws attention to the environmental consequences of dedicating vast acreages to corn and soy cultivation. Despite federal programs aimed at protecting environmentally sensitive farmland, significant habitat loss for local flora and fauna has occurred. The decline in grassland bird populations in the Upper Midwest is a direct consequence of increased agricultural development.
5. Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Fossil Fuels: Corn and soy cultivation necessitates the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, both derived from fossil fuels. This practice raises concerns about the sustainability of current agricultural methods and their impact on the environment.
6. Federal Subsidies: A driving force behind the extensive cultivation of corn and soy is the substantial federal subsidies provided to farmers. This financial support influences the agricultural landscape and has repercussions on the broader food supply.
7. Call to Action: The article concludes with a call to action, urging readers to express their concerns to elected officials regarding farm subsidies. Additionally, it advocates for supporting local farmers, choosing seasonal produce, and taking control over one's food choices through home cooking as proactive steps to address the environmental impact of corn and soy cultivation.
In summary, this article not only serves as a snapshot of the current state of U.S. agriculture but also prompts readers to critically evaluate their role in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious food system.
