No Clouds Found on Agriculture's Horizon

March 15, 2000

The American Farm Bureau Federation has put together a television documentary on U.S. agriculture in the new century and features some rare good news. More people to feed, more wealth with which to buy food, more kinds of food and more uses for farm products are some of the reasons for optimism.

In the 30-minute documentary, AFBF lists such prospects and trends as the convergence of food and medicine, expanded energy production from farm commodities, niche farming to appeal to special tastes and interests and a greater role for agriculture in preserving natural resources.

"The future also includes advances in technology that will enable farmers to work smarter and better," says Stewart Truelsen, AFBF director of broadcast services. "These include remote sensing of crops by satellite, robotic farm machinery and biotechnology."

One example of biotechnology is the cloning of goats to produce milk with special proteins needed to fight cancer or HIV infection.

AFBF also found optimism for farm-based fuels. Renewable fuels could provide 20-30% of the nation's transportation needs. At present, ethanol accounts for only a little more than 1% of motor fuel.

Functional foods and specialty foods produced by niche farmers include foods that provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. There is research, for example, to enhance the cancer preventive properties of broccoli and tomatoes. The documentary highlights New Hampshire operations where farmers raise goats for milk, cheese and soap made from goat's milk.

VHS copies of the documentary are available for the AFBF. For more information, check the Voice of Agriculture web site.