By Brianna Betterson
Introduction
Farmers are the backbone of our society. They provide us with the food that nourishes our bodies, and enables us to do everything that we do! However, the role of farmers goes beyond just providing food. They also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting our local economies. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of small farmers, their challenges, the social impacts of big agribusiness, benefits of small farms over large agribusiness corporations, and ways to advocate for farmers’ rights through legislation and subsidies.
How Supporting Small Farmers Can Mitigate Climate Change
Farmers hold immense potential to combat climate change. Regenerative agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and sustainable soil management, can enhance carbon sequestration in soils, which helps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (American Farmland Trust). Moreover, small farmers have far lower carbon footprints than large agribusiness due to their reduced dependence on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, heavy machinery, and long-distance transportation (UN News, 2015).
How Genetically Modified Crop Patents Impact Small Farmers
Patents on genetically modified (GM) crops can significantly affect small farmers, including organic farmers. These patents often restrict the use of saved seeds, which then requires farmers to return to seed companies annually for certified seeds (Canadian Biotechnology Action Network). This cycle restricts or eliminates small farmers’ autonomy, and increases their costs for operation. Additionally, GM crops may crossbreed with neighboring fields through pollination or seed dispersal. This cross-contamination can result in loss of organic certification for organic farmers, and the potential for legal disputes due to accidental patent infringements (Gibbs).
(Source: https://seedalliance.org/publications/a-guide-to-seed-intellectual-property-rights/)
The Social Impacts of Agribusiness Corporations
The agricultural sector heavily relies on having a substantial workforce, and frequently uses undocumented workers (New American Economy, 2021). Although these laborers play an instrumental role in ensuring food production, they often endure low wages, poor working conditions, and inadequate legal protections. Insufficient documentation of being an undocumented worker also exposes workers to greater risks of discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. It is imperative to ensure equitable rights and adequate protection for all agricultural workers.
Benefits of Supporting Small Farmers Over Large Agribusiness Corporations
Compared to large agribusiness corporations, smaller farms offer several advantages. Small farmers typically employ environmentally friendly farming methods that foster soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Small farmers are far more likely to implement climate-smart agriculture solutions. Furthermore, fair-trade practices allow original producers to receive fair prices, have stable buyer relationships, and even receive development premiums for community projects. Small farmers are more likely to engage in fair trade systems, which aids the shift towards more transparent and accountable supply chains. Lastly, small farmers use far fewer GMOs and pesticides. Unlike large agribusiness entities that rely on intensive monocultures, GM crops, and chemical pesticides, small farmers often opt for approaches that use fewer chemical inputs and avoid the risks of genetic modification (Rosset).
(Source: https://www.ppic.org/blog/california-farmers-face-labor-drought/)
Legislation and Subsidization Surrounding the Issue
Public policy and farm subsidies greatly influence the global agricultural landscape. Unfortunately, current programs primarily promote agricultural industrialization, worsening environmental degradation, resource waste, and trade imbalances. According to the World Bank, “direct subsidies of more than $635 billion a year are driving the excessive use of fertilizers that degrade soil and water, and harm human health” (2023). To advocate for positive policies, we can take action by educating our elected representatives about concerns related to farmers’ rights, worker issues, sustainability incentives, and reduced chemical inputs in agriculture. We can also support organizations and campaigns that actively advocate for farmers’ rights and promote alternatives that benefit small farmers and ecological well-being.
Farmer’s Rights Organization Spotlights
Some farmer’s rights organizations that you can support today include the Agricultural Justice Project, which operates on a national level and works to promote a sustainable and just food system; and the Long Island Farmworker Cooperative, which supports local immigrant farm workers on Long Island in growing and selling their own produce.
Nursery workers part of the Long Island Farmworker Cooperative in eastern Long Island.
(Source: https://www.ruralmigrantministry.org/programs/programs/long-island-farmworker-cooperative)
Conclusion
Recognizing the vital role of farmers in society and climate change mitigation means addressing their challenges, and emphasizing the advantages of small farmers over large agribusiness corporations. Through collective efforts and commitment to supportive policies and subsidies, we can shape a future where farmers’ rights are protected, and food systems are sustainable.
Works Cited
American Farmland Trust. n.d. To Combat Climate Change: Promote Regenerative Agricultural Practices.
https://farmland.org/promote-regenerative-agricultural-practices/
Canadian Biotechnology Action Network. n.d. Patents.
https://cban.ca/gmos/issues/patents/
Gibbs, Kelsey. n.d. Patenting Life: GMOs. Central Washington University Department of Public Policy.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2287&context=source
New American Economy. 2021. Immigration and Agriculture.
https://research.newamericaneconomy.org/report/immigration-and-agriculture/
Rosset, Peter M. n.d. Benefits of Small Farm Agriculture. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.
https://www.iatp.org/sites/default/files/Benefits_of_Small_Farm_Agriculture.htm
The World Bank. 2023. Trillions Wasted on Subsidies Could Help Address Climate Change. Press Release.
UN News. 2015. Small farmers can be major actors in reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint – UN Agency.