Agriculture is the foundation of civilisation, and it remains a way of life for much of the world’s population. Up to 80% of people in developing countries depend on agriculture as their main source of sustenance and income. By contrast, only 5% of Europeans are farmers. During the past 50 years the mechanisation of agriculture, the use of chemicals and advances in biotechnology have made food production much less labour-intensive while keeping yields ahead of population growth.

The world has never grown so much food so cheaply. But the industrialisation of agriculture has come at the cost of massive environmental problems such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and the depletion and contamination of waterways.

There is an urgent need to develop more sustainable forms of agriculture. A recent 21-year study in Switzerland demonstrated that organic farming is efficient, saves energy and keeps soils healthy – although crop yields tend to be about 20% lower than those on chemically treated plots.

Agricultural production will need to increase to feed and clothe an additional three billion people by 2050. Can this be achieved sustainably? It may be possible if more efficient use is made of land that’s currently producing luxury commodities such as beef.

See also Food and water,  Globalisation and Animal welfare.