This post originally appeared on Agri-Pulse. Agri-Pulse and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs are teaming up to host a monthly column to explore how the U.S. agriculture and food sector can maintain its competitive edge and advance food security in an increasingly globalized and dynamic world.
By Erin Fitzgerald Sexson, Senior Vice President for Global Sustainability, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
For the U.S. agricultural and food sector to maintain its competitive advantage in the global marketplace, it must collaboratively move toward more robust, sustainable food systems.
Throughout the twentieth century, farms across the country adopted new practices that helped to produce nutritious, affordable food for an increasing number of Americans. For example, dollar for dollar, American dairy foods are one of the most economical sources of nutrition in the grocery store today. At the same time, efficiencies and innovations have helped reduce the environmental impact of milk production. Since 1944, milk production has quadrupled, but producing a gallon of milk requires 90 percent less cropland, consumes 65 percent less water and emits 63 percent fewer greenhouse gases.
Continue reading on Agri-Pulse>