The less thought about problem with trying to become more sustainable in western countries is the “organics miles” for lack of a better term. What uses more energy, shipping down a few dozen tomatoes from Queensland to the southern states or shipping down half a dozen bales of sugar cane mulch to grow the same supply of tomatoes? organics need to be locally grown as well

As for the equipment that western style agribusiness has brought to the poorer parts of the world, it should be going cheap with less demand for produce in western countries. If aid agency’s could acquire these implements and do short term leasing to small farmers, imagine the impact keyline plowing or swale and dam building or green waste recycling could make in the developing countries.