The book explores the future of agriculture and food production, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to feed a growing population. While the author presents innovative ideas, the review criticizes the book for downplaying the negative impacts of certain agricultural practices.
Food 5.0: How We Feed the Future by Robert D. Saik delves into the past and future of agriculture, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to meet the demands of a growing population. The author discusses various innovative approaches to agriculture, aiming for 'infinite sustainability' to feed everyone without further harming the planet. However, the review notes that the book tends to overlook the downsides of certain agricultural practices, particularly in animal agriculture. The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on scientific evidence but feels that it sometimes goes too far in defending practices that have significant environmental impacts. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the discussion on sustainable agriculture but should be read with a critical eye.
Quick quotes
By 2050, all countries will need to increase food production by 60-70 percent.
Roughly for every percent of organic matter in a six-inch layer of soil, you will find twelve thousand pounds of carbon per acre.
Farmers can till the soil, releasing the nitrogen, and satisfy the short-term needs of the crops, but sacrifice the long-term structure and sustainability of the soil.