Sustainable Farming

SUSTAINABLE FARMING Good for Smallholders, Good for the Earth World population jumped from 2.5 billion to 7 billion in just 60 years. It is expected to jump to 9 billion by 2050 The majority of the additional 2 billion people will emerge from developing countries. A spike in population growth requires a spike in agricultural production. By 2050 agricultural production must increase by nearly 60% in order to feed the world. 60% Farmers have a direct impact on agricultural production and sustainable farming. Globally there are 2.5 billion people working in smallholder agriculture. Smallholder farmers manage over 80% of the 500 million small farms worldwide. They provide over 80% of the food consumed in developing countries. 80% 80% Farmers are faced with challenges such as: Changing markets Rising fuel and fertilizer prices Climate Increasing competition for land and water change Most smallholders live in remote rural areas prone to climate risks. These farmers need access to agricultural technologies that emphasize sustainable farming such as: Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP) and Soil Fertility Management Techniques FDP involves inserting fertilizer briquettes into the soil. FDP Reduces: Fertilizer use by 1/3 Greenhouse gases Nitrogen runoff N) FDP Increases: Crop yields Incomes Soil fertility management improves food security and the lives of farming families through continued integration of: Improved Seeds Mineral Fertilizer Organic Materials 100% organic Soil fertility management evaluates farming methods on a cost/benefit basis to boost profits FDP and soil fertility management technologies allow farmers to build a sustainable farming environment, thus bringing food security to their families and the rest of the world. IFDC © IFDC 04/14 SOURCES: Forbes.com, UNEP, USAID