‘Fifty years ago, as many as one out of every three people lived in hunger. Today, the figure is about one in eight — the biggest, fastest increase in human well-being in history. Now, though, agricultural scientists and economists increasingly fear that this great accomplishment is at risk. Simply put, the world's agricultural systems may not be able to provide enough food for the nine or ten billion people who will be alive in 2050. Joel Bourne, a farmer's son himself, traveled the world to explore what may be the greatest challenge facing the next generation. The result is calm, lucid — and fascinating.’
Charles C. Mann, author of 1491 and 1493
‘The End of Plenty is an urgent and at times terrifying dispatch from a distinguished reporter who has given heart and soul to his subject. Here is a wake-up call, and also a call to action. The stakes could not be higher: To stave off apocalypse, we must grow a whole lot smarter in a hurry — starting by heeding the cutting-edge wisdom contained in Joel Bourne's richly researched and passionately argued report from the Malthusian margins.’
Hampton Sides, editor-at-large for Outside magazine and author of In The Kingdom of Ice
'Despite the lessons of climate change, water shortages and industrial-scale farming of single crops, "we are [still] literally farming ourselves out of food"… Bourne's compelling book presents challenges that are immense but not insurmountable … we must also accept a shift in mentality — from a world of plenty to a world of enough.'
The Saturday Paper
'An agronomist-turned-journalist, Bourne is a lively guide to the history, science and economics of getting tucker on our plates. He digs into the causes of our current predicament, tours the world looking for the germ of the next revolution and suggests ways we can limit population growth. A compelling call for action. Food for thought.'
Nicholas Butler, Weekend Press, Christchurch
‘Brings a deep and passionate understanding of agriculture … while finding hope in incipient signs of a sustainable farming revolution.’
Fiona Capp, The Age
'A finely balanced book, serious without being depressing, meticulously researched without sacrificing accessibility. It is full of stories as well as facts ... If Bourne is right that feeding the world in the 21st century is "the biggest collective hurdle humanity has ever faced", then we owe it to ourselves to get informed.'
Make Wealth History
‘An engaging look at the challenges we are likely to face producing sufficient food in an ages of unprecedented global population, environmental impact and climate change.’
Martin Ford, FT ‘Best Books of 2015’
‘Drawing on his familiarity with farming and his career in journalism, he looks at troubling trends of imbalance between food consumption and production that could lead to more widespread hunger. Bourne points to riots and social unrest in … nations facing severe food shortages as a result of global changes in trade policy and food production … Bourne vividly ties history, economics, chemistry, and ecology to this call to action to change the way we look at food production and population.’
Vanessa Bush, Booklist
‘Bourne thoughtfully lays out a vision of how short-term thinking got us to the current crisis point, and how a longer-term, ecological view, supported by creative science and more careful policy, might still be able to save us.’
Publisher's Weekly
‘The reasons for faltering agricultural systems are multiple and complex, and Bourne, raised a farm boy and trained in agronomy, does a fine job of sorting its many facets and shaping them into an uncommonly readable text. He travels the world-India, China, Eastern Europe, Africa, Brazil, and back here in North America-to report the problems and possible solutions to the looming food crisis … A hugely important issue receives lucid, compelling treatment in this valuable work.’
Robert Eagan, Library Journal
‘Bourne has written a comprehensive, compelling and thought-provoking narrative about an unparalleled world food crisis at the intersection of population, production, hunger, health and social justice … The extensive endnotes, bibliography and detailed index speak to thorough and thoughtful scholarship and responsible journalism … The End of Plenty offers an invaluable projection of alternative scenarios for the future of food and, indeed, of humankind and is a wake-up call for us all.’
Marilyn Gates, PhD, NY Journal of Books
‘Hard facts, solid research, multiple viewpoints, and well-told stories combine to give high impact to this compelling look at the challenge of feeding the world’s burgeoning population without destroying the planet … [T]his call to arms is lucid, informative, and even entertaining, fully deserving a wide readership.’ STARRED REVIEW
Kirkus Reviews
‘Bourne draws on his background in agronomy and years covering science and rural issues for National Geographic to look at how agriculture has changed over the last seventy-five years. He explores past events, such as food crises and the Green Revolution, as well as current food demands and agricultural practices … In this important and timely book, Bourne provides not just a history lesson or an agriculture report, but a call to action for those concerned about food shortages, and he provides examples of how some have already started that fight.’
Jenny Katharine Oleen, Choice
‘[A] fascinating narrative … Bourne brings a piercing eye to intransigent problems in food production and alleviation of hunger, leavened by notes of pragmatism and optimism.’
Jean L. Steiner, Science
‘Humanity's most important activity is getting food, and billions of people already are lacking sufficient calories or micronutrients to lead satisfactory lives. The prospect of having to feed billions more by midcentury is daunting, and yet the scale of the crisis is barely recognised by most people. The End of Plenty should provide an important antidote for that — both covering the overall situation and giving interesting vignettes of problems and potential solutions. It's an important read for everyone.’
Paul R. Ehrlich, co-author of The Dominant Animal
‘In a well-documented and fast-moving manner, Joel Bourne Jr … clearly depicts a strategic challenge for America’s national security in the coming years … Joel has shown, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the time for action is NOW — and the consequences for failing to heed his advice may be devastating!’
Henry H. Shelton, retired US army general, 14th Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff
