Agricultures Ethical Horizon by Robert Zimdah and Food Politics - Book Report/Review Example

The essay reviews chapters 13 and 14 of the book Agricultures Ethical Horizon by Robert Zimdahl and chapters 8 and 11 of Food Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know by Robert Paarlberg

Book – Agriculture’s Ethical Horizon by Robert L. Zimdahl
Chapter – 8 and 11
Summary
The book, Agriculture’s Ethical Horizon by Robert L. Zimdahl discusses the vital role of ethical policies in farming science.

About the Book
The eighth chapter of this book discusses the role of agricultural biotechnology in farming science and its effects on mankind (Zimdahl, 2012). The ninth chapter offers information regarding organic or alternative agriculture systems and ethical issues in this system. The tenth chapter offers information regarding animal agriculture or biotechnology.

The eleventh chapter discusses the six major concerns regarding farming science today or in the future (Zimdahl, 2012). The main purpose of the author in these chapters is to understand the role of various new technologies and practices such as animal agriculture, biotechnology, and organic agriculture from an ethical point of view (Zimdahl, 2012). Since the beginning of the book, clearly, the author considers scientists who invent new technologies as amoral, whose main focus is profited and do not consider the ethics or the effect on society, natural environment as well as on the future (Zimdahl, 2012). He continues to offer various examples as strong evidence in these chapters to illustrate his point.

One of the best examples regarding these issues is biotechnology. As per the author, since 1996, genetically modified seeds were available in the market. It has caused more opposition from the people and companies from various fields (Zimdahl, 2012). The main reason for this opposition is the fear of contamination in natural crops. In addition to that, these sections fear the misuse of this technology that has the power to eliminate natural food crops as well as manipulation in human genes (Zimdahl, 2012).

Further, the new technologies can also lead to new and serious issues such as pollution, desertification, and depletion of water resources among others. As per the author, the practitioners of these technologies are only concerned about present profits. He further condemns that the advance of science in farming has dehumanized the entire process. This in turn has raised new concerns regarding the term sustainability of land and other natural resources (Zimdahl, 2012).

Before reading this book, I was vaguely aware of various modern agricultural practices such as biotechnology, animal agriculture, and organic farming. For me, they were some terms in newspapers and magazines that were strongly debated among various sections but had no bearing on my life (Zimdahl, 2012). However, after reading this book, I have become aware of my responsibilities in this matter. As a result, I have increased the purchase of organic food. After reading about the inhumane conditions of the animals that are slaughtered for food, I am in the process of becoming a confirmed vegetarian.

This book has been written in a very easy language and targets reader groups that range from layperson to scholars (Zimdahl, 2012). He also offers comprehensive information about both sides of the argument and leaves the reader to make his or her own decision. So, no doubt I consider this book as the collectible item for my library.

Book – Food Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know, by Robert Paarlberg
Chapter – 13-14
Summary
The author of the book, Food Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know is Robert Paarlberg. The main topic of this book is the history and various issues regarding global food politics and its effect all over the world.

About the Book
The 13th chapter of this book discusses the issues regarding food safety and the role of genetically engineered food in the USA. The fourteenth chapter in this book discusses the governance of food on a worldwide basis (Paarlberg, 2013). Further, he analyzes the history and role of various governments, UN organizations, international NGOs, and private foundations in food policies and governance (Paarlberg, 2013).

As per the author, with the increase in affluence, American society is increasingly becoming aware of the food quality (Paarlberg, 2013). With the increasing demand for the quality of food, he also offers comprehensive information regarding many governmental agencies such as CDC that continue to monitor food quality (Paarlberg, 2013).
The author also discusses GMO or genetically modified food, its history, and issues. The author offers a comprehensive history of various governments worldwide, UN organizations, NGO organizations as well as private foundations that are trying to increase food production and alleviate hunger. Food and its easy availability are one of the core issues in any society worldwide. Before reading this book, I never thought deeply about how food grains, livestock, fruits, and vegetables, make their journey through the process of production, transport, warehousing, and selling, to my home (PoliticsBookMix.com, 2013). However, after reading this book, I have become aware of many aspects of food politics worldwide and core issues related to current debates in various types of media (PoliticsBookMix.com, 2013).

Before reading this book, I used to consider myself as a knowledgeable person as I have kept up with current issues over many years. However, after reading this book, I have become aware of my ignorance and plan to intensify my efforts for further education about the whole agricultural sector (Paarlberg, 2013).
Written in very easy language, this book is targeted towards both the common reader who would like to get knowledge as well as the scholars as a reference for their research. Undoubtedly, the author of this book has done extensive research before writing this book. Due to this, it is one of the most informative books about this topic, and a must for any home library (Paarlberg, 2013). Read More