Heirloom tomatoes are plants cultivated by people for food that have a specific genetic makeup and is passed down through generations. They are made to survive certain climates, living situations, or people's preferences (University of Wisconsin).
With modern mass production of tomatoes and other crops, only a limited types of plants are being grown based on what will be the highest yielding varieties. This leaves them susceptible to the same diseases and bugs, which has been associated with famines and massive crop loss. It is also associated with higher pesticide use, which leads to bugs that become resistant to the chemicals . From this type of farming and GMO foods, there is also a loss of genes (Thrupp). By maintaining genetically diverse plants allows for further research development of adaptable crops for different climate conditions, which is necessary for food security (http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/components/plants/en/).
Food security is not only about availability of food, but also about getting the right nutrients from food. Increasing plant diversity increases the likelihood of getting a variety of micronutrients to prevent malnutrition (http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/cross-sectoral-issues/nutrition/en/)
We may not change or even want to change industrial farming. But we can and may want to support local farmers who protect different genetic species that thrive in our areas and promote food security.
Images from http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/group/en/
FAO (http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/components/plants/en/)
------ (http://www.fao.org/biodiversity/cross-sectoral-issues/nutrition/en/)
Thrupp, L.A. (http://europe.mtnforum.org/sites/default/files/forum_topic/files/lectura_1_linking_agricultural_biodiversity_and_food_security.pdf)
University of Wisconsin (http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/heirloom/)
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