Historical evidence traces an ebb and flow of concern for stewardship and long-term food production over the years. As social, economic and environmental conditions evolved, so did the issues impacting sustainable use of resources. It is not surprising that particularly difficult times and places spawned the most dramatic “learning curves” in terms of both successful and failed practices and systems.
If we listen, voices of these forebears do several things for us. They teach us practical lessons about problems and problem solving. They provide an historical context for understanding contemporary challenges. And they inspire us with their passion. Most importantly, they remind us that history is a continuum. History describes where we have been, defines the aspirations and limitations of our current endeavors, and carries us into the future.
Challenges to a sustainable, global food system that will carry us through the coming years and into the next century are daunting. However, we have access to a storehouse of tools with which to work: a diverse agricultural knowledgebase; interdisciplinary research and expertise; cutting-edge technology applications; and a global communication system with which to share information.
AEVIA Reveals the Source
Direct Link to the “Tracing” Bibliography