The Challenge of Resource Management. Flashcards
Agribusiness
Application of business skills to agriculture
Carbon footprint
A measurement of all the greenhouse gases we individually produce, through burning fossil fuels for electricity, transport etc, expressed as tonnes (or kg) of carbon-dioxide equivalent
Energy mix
The range of energy sources of a region or country, both renewable and non-renewable
Food miles
The distance covered supplying food to consumers
Fossil fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms
Local food sourcing
A method of food production and distribution that is local, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to consumers’ homes, then distributed over much shorter distances
Organic produce
Food which is produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods on organic farms. Artificial fertilisers are banned and farmers develop fertile soil by rotating crops and using compost, manure and clover. It must be free of synthetic additives like pesticides and dyes
Resource Management
The control and monitoring of resources so that they do not become depleted or exhausted
Aeroponics
Growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil
Biotechnology
The manipulation (through genetic engineering) of living organisms to produce useful commercial products (such as pest resistant crops and new bacterial strains)
Famine
A widespread, serious, shortage of food. In the worst cases it can lead to starvation and even death
Food insecurity
Being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. More than 800 million people live every day with hunger or food insecurity
Food security
When people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life
Hydroponics
A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil
Irrigation
Applying water to land in order to supply crops and other plants with necessary water
Permaculture
A system of agricultural and social design principles based upon or directly using patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Sustainable food supply
Food that is produced in ways that avoid damaging natural resources, provide social benefits such as good quality food and safe and healthy products, and contribute to local economies
The new green revolution
A combination of modern technology, traditional knowledge and an emphasis on farming, social and agro-ecological systems as well as yields, especially in poorer countries. At the same time, it emphasizes alternative approaches and improved farm management and information systems in order to minimise environmental damage from external inputs and benefit poor farmers and marginal areas bypassed by the original green revolution
Undernutrition
This occurs when people do not eat enough nutrients to cover their needs for energy and growth, or to maintain a healthy immune system
Urban farming
The growing of fruits, herbs, and vegetables and raising animals in towns and cities, a process that is accompanied by many other activities such as processing and distributing food, collecting and reusing food waste
