CLA Recognizes Changes in Agriculture Throughout US History

Jul 02, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of this year’s Independence Day, CropLife America (CLA) examines the many advances made and the numerous yield, production and distribution challenges overcome by America’s farmers since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The national population has risen from 2.5 million to 309.6 million, meaning today’s farmers face a steep challenge of feeding more people with less land and resources when compared to the backbreaking, labor-intensive farming practices used in 1776. Of the 56 men who signed the historical document, 25% were farmers or owned agricultural operations. In contrast, the most recent Census of Agriculture recorded only 1 million Americans – much less than 1% of the current American population - who identify farming as their primary source of income.

Given the constantly changing weather, crop infestation, and disease that farmers face today, it is reassuring for consumers to know that today’s modern farmers can depend upon the use of crop protection products, such as those produced, manufactured and distributed by CLA’s member organizations, to help them meet our nation’s food needs. As farmers become even fewer and farther between, and as the American public expects them to feed even more people, farmers welcome the advantages that modern agricultural practices, such as the use of crop protection products, can provide.  Conventional farming methods alone cannot feed nearly 310 million Americans. Crop protection products such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides help farmers increase their yields safely to meet a constantly rising demand for better nutrition and diets. These modern technological advances also help prevent encroachment onto additional land while allowing for environmentally friendly practices such as no-till farming.

The 14 food providers who signed the Declaration of Independence used the most modern technology available to them at the time to feed a burgeoning nation. Today’s farmers are fortunate to have access to a number of innovative tools and modern technologies that are appropriate for today’s needs. While we celebrate our nation’s independence and the many liberties we enjoy as U.S. citizens this 4th of July, take a moment to recognize the advances U.S. farmers have made to help feed our growing and prosperous nation.