How does agribusiness impact the environment?

1 Land use and deforestation

One of the main environmental impacts of agribusiness is the conversion of natural habitats into croplands, pastures, and plantations. This process leads to deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture accounts for about 80% of the global deforestation, with the highest rates occurring in tropical regions. Deforestation not only reduces the ecological functions and services of forests, but also increases the vulnerability of local communities to climate change, natural disasters, and food insecurity.

2 Water use and pollution

Another environmental impact of agribusiness is the overexploitation and contamination of water resources. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, using about 70% of the global withdrawals. Agribusiness often relies on irrigation systems that can deplete aquifers, lower water tables, and reduce river flows. Moreover, agribusiness generates large amounts of wastewater and runoff that contain fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, and sediments. These pollutants can degrade water quality, harm aquatic ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans and animals.

4 Waste generation and management

A fourth environmental impact of agribusiness is the creation and disposal of various types of waste. Agribusiness produces organic waste from crop residues, animal manure, and food losses. It also produces non-organic waste from packaging, plastics, and chemicals. These wastes can have negative effects on the environment if they are not properly managed. For instance, organic waste can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, if it decomposes anaerobically. Non-organic waste can accumulate in landfills, oceans, and landscapes, causing pollution, toxicity, and aesthetic problems.

5 Social and ethical issues

A fifth environmental impact of agribusiness is the social and ethical implications of its practices and policies. Agribusiness can affect the livelihoods, rights, and welfare of farmers, workers, consumers, and animals. For example, agribusiness can displace small-scale farmers from their lands, exploit laborers with low wages and poor working conditions, expose consumers to unsafe and unhealthy food products, and inflict cruelty and suffering on animals. Agribusiness can also influence the political and economic decisions that affect the environment, such as trade agreements, subsidies, and regulations.