Researchers say small-holder farms can produce enough to feed the world without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

A new report published last week by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development suggests a far different approach, however, one that has more in common with the style of agriculture that produces your favorite tomatoes than a 1,000-acre field of corn in the Midwest. And it might not only be able to feed the world—the authors says it can help mitigate climate change too.

The report is exhaustive, with six full pages dedicated to listing the different acronyms referenced throughout the 321-page document. Topics range from the benefits of locally developed plant varities, to carbon sequestration as social justice, and democratizing access to seeds and other products. Full of sometimes dense, academic writing, it isn't exactly something you'd want to curl up on the couch with. But the title—"Wake Up Before It Is Too Late: Make Agriculture Truly Sustainable Now for Food Security in a Changing Climate"—comes through like a shout.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/09/23/un-report-says-organic-sustainable-agriculture-key-feeding-world