Social/Legal: Loss of Jobs
Replacing the traditional farming method with these alternative farming methods can cause problems in the economy. Replacing the traditional farming method can lead to the loss of jobs for agricultural based workers. In the US there is an estimate of 3.2 million farmers and ranchers and about 757,900 employed agricultural workers. These alternative farming methods require much less labor to sustain as well as harvesting the crops leaving thousands of these people jobless increasing the percentage of unemployed workers.IS1
Issues
Ethical: Unnatural
With these alternative farming method foods entering into local markets, issue revolving if the food is safe to consume arises. Some people fear of these alternative farming method crops because it was grown unnaturally without soil. Others fear that the chemicals used in the water to prevent waterborne disease or the chemicals that help keep the water cleaner might negatively affect their body when consumed. IS2
Social: The Cost
The costly insulation of these alternative farming methods is one of the big issues it has. For a 500 square feet hydroponic system, it costs an estimate of $110k, not including upgrades to the facility. The equipment used to maintain these crops are costly as well. Systems to filter the water, treat the water, and give nutrients to the system can add up and cost thousands. This causes an issue because if these products are sold to consumers, the prices of these crops many increase and become much more than typical traditional farming crops. Although these alternative farming styles are much more cleaner for the environment, most consumers will not buy these products due to the prices. IS3
