Abstract
This paper explores how the United States’ post-World War II military-industrial complex profoundly shaped the modern American food system—from the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to the industrialization of processed foods and the creation of farm subsidies. It argues that wartime technologies and ideologies were repurposed for agriculture, resulting in ecological degradation, dietary shifts, and policy frameworks that prioritize scale over sustainability. Drawing on this history, the paper proposes a bold reimagining: redirecting defense infrastructure and resources toward regenerative agriculture. By leveraging the end of recent military operations, it outlines a “peace dividend for the land” through policy reform, academic partnerships, and ecological investment. This vision invites scholars, policymakers, and activists to consider how national security could be rooted in soil health, biodiversity, and food sovereignty.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fed Up: Learning From the Past, Imagining New Futures
KEYWORDS
Militarized Agriculture, Food Security, Regenerative Farming, Post-Conflict Sustainability
