About Modern Agriculture

What is Modern Agriculture?

Modern agriculture is a term used to describe the wide majority of production practices employed by America’s farmers. More than 90% of farmers today embrace using the most innovative practices and growing techniques to produce enough food, fuel and fiber for a growing world, while minimizing their environmental footprint at the same time. The term “modern agriculture” depicts their commitment to innovation, stewardship and meeting the global food challenge all at once – there is nothing conventional about that.

Why is Modern Agriculture Important?

By 2050, the world’s population is expected to grow to nearly nine billion – the equivalent of two more Chinas – while the ratio of arable land to population continues to decrease. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that global food production must double by 2050, and 70 percent of the world’s additional food needs can be produced only with new and adapting agricultural technologies

In light of this challenge, modern agriculture enables farmers to utilize new innovations, research and scientific advancements to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food. Intensive scientific research and robust investment in modern agriculture during the past 50 years has helped farmers double food production while essentially freezing the footprint of total cultivated farmland.

This allows for responsible food production: new technologies help farmers use precise applications and fewer inputs, leading to increased productivity and higher yields, and creates an affordable supply of nutritious food and produce for those who need it most.