Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is the practice of farming using principles of ecology, the study of
relationships between organisms and their environment. It has been defined as "an integrated
system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will last
over the long term:

• Satisfy human food and fiber needs

• Make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and
integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
• Sustain the economic viability of farm operations
• Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”[1]
Sustainable agriculture in the United States was addressed by the 1990 farm bill.[2]More recently,
as consumer and retail demand for sustainable products has risen, organizations such as Food
Alliance and Protected Harvest have started to provide measurement standards and certification
programs for what constitutes a sustainably grown crop.[3]

1. ^ Gold, M. (July 2009). What is Sustainable Agriculture?. United States Department of Agriculture,
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center.
2. ^ Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACTA), Public Law 101-624, Title
XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1603
3. ^ Organic and non-GMO Report. New certification programs aim to encourage sustainable
farming.
Categories: Sustainable agriculture, Sustainability