1 Visionary Agrarianism: A Renaissance Project?

摘要

Agricultural technology has, quite literally, shaped the Earth and the lives of its inhabitants in profound ways. This was true already in ancient times, and is still true today. Take but a few examples: First, the introduction of new technology in Scandinavia during the High Middle Ages. Iron shares on plows and ards was an important factor in transforming cropping systems, which in turn led to a dramatically increased demand for iron (Myrdal 2011), and ensuing developments in iron production. The consequences were vast. Second, during the last half century or so, the Green Revolution with new, high-yielding plant varieties, pesticides and irrigation has transformed agriculture globally. Third, today new biotechnology such as genetically modified plants, and information and communication technology are again changing agriculture in hitherto unknown ways. Cell phones are used by farmers to keep track of grain prices, GPS technology guide tractors and harvesters and authorities use remote sensing to monitor farmers' compliance with subsidies regulations.