BIOL20050 - agricultural innovation paradigms

What is a paradigm?

a set of shared assumptions and agreed methods within a scientific discipline

list 2 different paradigms in terms of goal setting for agricultural innovation

1. technological paradigm for efficiency gains and reduction in carbon intensity

2. ecological paradigm for self-sufficiency and circular economy

list 3 technology based approached

1. mining and production of fertilizers

2. mechanized groundwater irrigation

3. mechanized transfer of raw materials and products

list 5 ecological approaches to reduce GHG emissions

1. introduction of natural pests

2. drip irrigation

3. no-till agriculture

4. contour ploughing

5. chemical herbicides to control weeds

define self-sufficiency on a farm

a farm that grows food and produces all the energy needed for the people living on the farm. the people putting in the work benefit from the outputs.

list 3 strengths of the technology based paradigm

1. produces enough food for human population

2. market-competitive and supports rural economy

3. takes advantage of technological development for higher yields

list 2 limitations of the technology based paradigm

1. even the most efficient irish farm is still emitting GHGs

2. vulnerability to external shocks and climate change impacts

list 2 strengths of the ecological paradigm

1. reduced vulnerability to market fluctuations

2. increased non-market value production and opportunities to reach carbon neutrality

list 2 limitations of the ecological paradigm

1. does not produce enough food for growing human population

2. not competitive