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This page presents 40 maps that show various aspects of agriculture, particularly in the USA. Most of the maps are developed from USDA data.

* Aired: February 2009 * Running time: 24:00 * Description: Michael Pollan is Professor of Science and Environmental Journalism at University of California at Berkeley and author of several bestselling books such as The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. He discusses a new way of thinking about how we subsidize agriculture and suggests ways of changing food policies. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Sections: Resources (food)

The "green revolution" dramatically boosted crop yields throughout the world, but it also bred overconfidence and complacency. Now, global food stocks are too low, and food prices are too high (partly as a result of use of food for biofuels). The article talks about declining rates of increase in agricultural productivity as a result of reductions in investment in agricultural research.

Summary: Supporters see the biotechnology revolution in agriculture as a Promethean step forward, whereas critics see it as the start down a slope to futuristic disaster. The supporters are right about the potential benefits of genetically engineered crops, but the critics are correct that the situation calls for government regulation.