Richard D. Duarte
Article #12
“Redesigning agriculture”
George Boody and Brian Devore
April 13, 2017
Author Note:
George Boody is the Executive Director of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP). In addition to
management responsibilities, he directs interdisciplinary projects that measure and predict
ecological and financial benefits from diversified farming systems and assists with federal and
state policy initiatives.
Brian Devore is a seasoned business strategist and documented healthcare innovator. Proven
ability to identify channels and strategic alliances needed to drive revenue opportunities. Solid
understanding of how technology impacts workflow, organization and talent needs. Strong
communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Sought after speaker for employer,
technology and policy topics.
During the past half-dozen years there has been an intensive debate among
agriculturalists, environmentalists, scientists, policymakers, and, most recently,
nutritionists about how to restore ecological functions to agricultural land.
Smil describes how the ability to circumvent the natural nitrogen cycle and create
this critical nutrient in a factory has become both a blessing and a curse, a long-
term dependence with many negative consequences.
Fritz Haber successfully synthesized atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia fertilizer
on 2 July 1909, he made one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the 20th
century.
the major source of natural nitrogen is through lightning and specialized bacteria
in legumes such as alfalfa
the American agricultural system has been affected more by the Haber-Bosch
process than corn production.
Science can quantify the potential impacts of high-yield production.
Local food and farming systems can provide ecosystem services such as cleaner
water, open space, and wildlife habitat.
Agriculture
make it clear that synthetic nitrogen use could be reduced by
reintegrating crop and livestock systems and making locally produced food a
greater proportion of the diet.
Pollan is convinced that creating a locally based food and farming system is the
