Introduction

In industrialized societies, an agricultural revolution has taken place that has radically affected the practice of farming and its environmental impact. What is industrialized agriculture, how did it develop, and what are its environmental costs?

The agricultural revolution has been transferred to the developing world in a process called the green revolution. What are the origins and impacts of the green revolution?

Agriculture in most of the developing world is still practiced in traditional ways, called subsistence agriculture. How important is subsistence agriculture?

Agricultural sustainability is a desirable goal. How can the four principles of ecosystem sustainability be applied to agriculture—both in developed and developing countries?

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety has been welcomed by governments, the private sector, and environmental groups. Describe the main provisions of this document. Why is it important?

Continued population growth puts pressure on agricultural practices to keep producing more food. What are the prospects for increasing food production?

There is a lively and important world trade in foodstuffs. What are the global patterns of the food trade and what are its consequences?

Hunger and malnutrition still plague human societies. What is the extent of hunger, malnutrition, and undernutrition in the world?

Famines continue to occur. What are the causes of famine, and which geographical areas are affected?

Food aid is distributed to countries all over the world. Is food aid necessary? How is aid distributed?