Заняття 8

Тема: Екологічне виробництво сільськогосподарської продукції. Інфінітив

Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture looks at the farming cycle as a whole system and is a commonly used term
when referring to alternative farming. This places an emphasis on working in harmony with entire ecological
systems. As farmers see shifts take place in our ever-changing environment, their goal is to change their
farming methods to be in harmony with the environment. They also look at the system as a living thing with
different needs for different areas within the farm. Instead of applying the same practices evenly over the
entire farm, each area on the farm is assessed and treated according to its own needs.
Sustainable agriculture seeks to balance farm profit over the long term with needs for good soil and
clean water, a safe and abundant food supply, and rural communities that are rewarding to live in. Farmers
of sustainable agriculture look at agriculture and ecology together, and refer to it as agroecology. In
traditional methods, soil scientists study soils, hydrologists study water, and agronomists study crops.
Studying these different components separately, however, can result in a lack of understanding or
appreciation of how the entire system fits and works together. In agroecology, the entire system (soil, water,
sun, plants, air, animals, microorganisms, and people) is studied together.
Farmers who practice sustainable agriculture strive to understand the complex relationships among all
parts of the agroecosystem. Sustainable agriculture practices include the following:
1. Using no chemicals, or very few chemicals, to reduce pest damage to crops.
2. Using fewer herbicides (weed killers).
3. Minimizing runoff in order to reduce soil erosion.
4. Testing the soils to determine which nutrients are available.
5. Rotating crops so that the land is not overused or depleted of critical nutrients. Crop rotation also
reduces insects and weeds.
6. Minimizing soil erosion.
7. Improving and protecting wildlife habitats.
8. Monitoring grazing practices so that the land is not abused and overgrazed.
Some people have argued that sustainable farming is not as productive and is more expensive than
traditional farming. Others have said that, even if that is the case, they are willing to pay more. Others
maintain that it does not represent lower productivity but instead builds on current agricultural achievements
and can produce large crops without harming the land. Regardless of what people have to say in favor of
sustainable farming or not, it has become an important part of agriculture in the last few years. Many farmers
and ranchers have chosen to use more conservative practices on their lands, and they see it as the future of
a successful, long-term relationship with the ecosystem.

3.Answer the questions.

1. What is sustainable agriculture?
2. What is the goal of modern farmers?
3. What does agroecology study?
4. What do sustainable agriculture practices include?
5. What are advantages and disadvantages of sustainable farming?

4. Read the following text and explain to your groupmates what organic farming is.
Organic Farming
Organic does not refer to the food itself but how the food is produced.
Organic foods are produced without using any synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They are also not
given any ionizing radiation. Organic crops are grown on soil that has been chemical-free for at least four
years. Organic farming is also meant to maintain the land and keep the surrounding ecosystems healthy.
Organic livestock cannot be fed nonorganic feed or given any type of growth hormone or antibiotic. Before a
product can be labeled organic, however, a government-approved certifier must inspect it.
When properly managed, organic farming reduces or eliminates water pollution and helps conserve
water and soil on farms. Today, organic farming represents only a small section of agriculture, but it has
been growing over recent years. Because it does not require expensive chemicals, many developing
countries are able to produce organic crops to export to other countries.
Most organic farmers strive to make the best use of land, animal, and plant interactions; preserve the
natural nutrients; and enhance biodiversity. They practice soil and water conservation to keep erosion down.
They use organic manure and mulch to improve soil structure. They also use natural pest controls, such as
biological controls (using an insect’s natural predators), as well as plants with pest-control properties. They
rotate their crops to keep production and fertility higher.
 1.1. Define the form of the Infinitive.
1.I am glad to have given you a dictionary. 2.I am glad to have been given a dictionary. 3.We want to inform
you about it. 4. We want to be informed about it. 5.Children like to be told tales. 6.You seem to have been
sitting for a long time. 6.I can’t hear a word, though he seems to be speaking. 7.One of the students was
suddenly taken ill and had to be operated on immediately. 8.He was very sorry to have missed so many
lessons just before the exam.

2.2.Open the brackets using the required form of the infinitive.

1.He seems (to read) a lot. 2.He seems (to read) now. 3.He seems (to read) since morning. 4.He seems (to
read) all the books in the library. 5.I want (to take) you to the concert. 6.I want (to take) to the concert by my
father. 7.She hoped (to help) her friends. 8.She hoped (to help) by her friends. 9.I hope (to see) you soon.
10.We expect (to be) back in two days. 11.He expected (to help) by the teacher. 12.The children seem (to
play) since morning. 13.I am glad (to do) all the homework yesterday. 14.She seems (to work) at this
problem ever since she came here.
3.3. Combine the two sentences as in the models.
MODELS: I teach English here. I am glad of it.— I am glad to teach English here.
We helped him. We are happy about it.— We are happy to have helped him.
I was examined yesterday. I am glad of it.— I am glad to have been examined yesterday.
A. 1.I work at the factory. I am happy about it. 2.I see you. I am glad of it. 3.I study French. I am glad of it.
4.I live in this town. I am happy about it. 5.I know this man. I am happy about it.
B. 1.I am going to Paris. I am happy about it. 2.I am spending my holidays in the Crimea. I am happy
about it. 3.I am listening to the symphony. I am glad of it. 4.I am reading his letter. I am glad of it. 5.I am
playing chess with you. I am glad of it.
C. 1.I spent my holidays in the country. I am happy about it. 2. He played chess with the world champion.
He is happy about it. 3.I bathed in the river. I am glad of it. 4.I learned English at school. I am glad of it. 5.I
passed my examination yesterday. I am glad of it.
D.1.I don't understand this rule. I am sorry about it. 2.I am not working there now. I am sorry about it. 3.I
have not seen this film. I sorry about it. 4. She has not been working all these years. She is sorry about it. 5.
Peter didn't see her. He is sorry about it.
E. 1. She was not invited to the evening party. She is sorry about it. 2. We are taught English. We are
glad of it. 3.I was waked early this morning. I am glad of it. 4.I was not informed of it. I am sorry about it. 5.I
am not allowed to go there. I am sorry about it.

4.4. Insert to where necessary before the infinitives in brackets.

1.I like … play the guitar. 2.My brother can … speak French. 3.We had … put on our overcoats because it
was cold. 4.They wanted … cross the river. 5.It’s high time for you … go to bed. 6.May I … use your
telephone? 7.They heard the girl … cry out with joy. 8.I would rather … stay at home today. 9.He did not
want … play in the yard any more. 10.Would you like … go to England? 11.You look tired. You had better …
go home. 12.I wanted … speak to Nick, but could not … find his telephone number. 13.He made me … do it
all over again. 14.She can … sing quite well. 15.He will be able … swim very soon. 16.You ought .. go today.
It may … rain tomorrow.