What is Sustainable Agriculture.....

    Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

    Farms that can produce food indefinitely, without causing irreversible damage to ecosystem health use organic practices which include crop rotation, animal manure and mechanical and personal cultivation to maintain soil productivity to supply plant nutrients and to control weeds, insects and other pests. Those who practice organic farming are also associated with beliefs like fair-trade and caring about the environment.

    The University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program talks about how in addition to preserving natural resources and changing production practices, sustainable agriculture requires a commitment to changing public policies, economic institutions, and social values.