Agriculture Quote by Masanobu Fukuoka
““If 22 bushels (1,300 pounds) of rice and 22 bushels of winter grain are harvested from a quarter acre field, then the field will support five to ten people each investing an average of less than one hour of labour per day. But if the field were turned over to pasturage, or if the grain were fed to cattle, only one person could be supported per quarter acre. Meat becomes a luxury food when its production requires land which could provide food directly for human consumption. This has been shown clearly and definitely. Each person should ponder seriously how much hardship he is causing by indulging in food so expensively produced.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, 1975
Land used for crops feeds many people; using it for livestock feeds far fewer, making meat a luxury.
In simple terms: Meat is expensive because it uses land that could feed people directly.
Key Takeaway
Choose plant‑based diets to reduce land waste.
Themes
sustainability
food systems
economics
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
ethical
educational
When to use this quote
- family planning
- policy making
- personal diet choices
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
Agriculture
resource allocation
environmental impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your food choice affect land use?
- What barriers exist to reducing meat consumption?
A Different Perspective
Transitioning diets can be culturally challenging and may face resistance.
