Sustainable Agriculture The United States versus the European Union: Issues and Attitudes
Carson H. Varner and
Katrin C. Varner Additional contact information Carson H. Varner: Illinois State University, USA
Katrin C. Varner: Illinois State University, USA
Abstract:
This paper examines developing issues and attitudes that unite and divide the United States and the European Union as the discussion and regulation of agriculture evolves. While some terms, such as “organic,†are defined in law in both the United States and European Union, the increasingly used “sustainability†is an evolving concept. The main sustainability issue is how to provide food and fiber for a rapidly growing world population. In this context, the role of biotechnology is questioned. Americans tend to favor what are sometimes called genetically modified crops, while Europeans remain cautious. Europeans lean more toward organic farming, while Americans assert that much of the world will starve if organic methods are required. This paper reviews the directions that the discussion of these issues is taking and will show areas of agreement and where the two sides diverge.
International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development (IJSESD) is edited by Elias G. Carayannis
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