The recent food price surge, the third major international food price spike in the last five years, casts more doubt on the assumption that widespread economic development leads to corresponding gains in agriculture. … For all the virtues of organic approaches, it’s hard to see how global food problems can be solved by starting with a cut in yields. … Even in the economics profession, the field of agricultural economics is often viewed as secondary in status.
Economist Tyler Cowen makes these points and more in a NY Times article that is essential reading for the sustainability nerd. Hat tip to John Foley via his Twitter feed.