by David Ehrenfeld

About the author: David Ehrenfeld is professor of biology at the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He writes frequently on conservation biology and is a founding editor of Conservation Biology magazine.

The modern history of agriculture has two faces. The first, a happy face, is turned toward nonfarmers who live in the developed world. It speaks brightly of technological miracles, such as the “Green Revolution” and, more recently, genetic engineering, that have resulted in the increased production of food for the world’s hungry. The second face is turned toward the few remaining farmers who have survived these miracles. It is downcast and silent, like a mourner at a funeral.

Downside to a Revolution

The Green Revolution...