Clash Between Agrarian Ethics and Industrialization

Agricultural practices have always been subject to change. New technologies and techniques have been incorporated into US agriculture. While this is similar to other industries, agriculture has been thought of as exceptional because of its relation to the idealized American family. Among these exceptions has been the lack of oversight vis-à-vis federal labor regulations. As such, it is more often cultural and not legal structures that define the arena in which safer agricultural practices must be fostered. The industrialization of agriculture without complimentary levels of labor regulation has created points of tension that become more volatile as further changes are endured. Examples here can include immigrant labor, child labor, aging owner-operators, genetic modifications, animal rights, etc.

Given the inherit levels of change in agriculture, however, there may exist opportunities for progress. Each time US agriculture undergoes a certain degree of change there is an opportunity for health and safety experts to implement better technology and techniques. Doing so within a scope of cultural compatibility provides a more holistic approach and increases the likelihood of adoption.

The clash between agrarian ethics and culture with the industrialization of agricultural practices will continue to intensify. Certain battles may be settled by federal intervention, e.g. whether OSHA can inspect family grain bins. Others will be developed and customized internally between agriculturalists and safety experts. Projects like Seguridad make an effort to work within cultural structures and embrace a changing labor force in order to improve the safety and health of all stakeholders.