Sustainability is the ability of a system to meet current human and environmental needs. Agricultural sustainability refers to practices that promote the stewardship of natural resources, the economic viability of farms, and quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
In the 1990 US Farm Bill, Congress defined sustainable agriculture as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that, over the long term:
• Satisfies human food and fiber need;
• Enhances environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
• Makes the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrates, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
• Sustains the economic viability of farm operations; and
• Enhances the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
The USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program defines sustainable agriculture as “profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities.” This definition ensures a holistic approach that integrates the three critical dimensions--environmental, economic, and social--of any sustainable system.
For additional information, see:
Sustainability on the Farm
Diana Friedman, SARE
Mike Morris, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)
