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Unit 1: Conceptual Framework and Historical Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture

INTRODUCTION

NRCS conservationist discusses pasture management with rancher near Waimea, HI. (Ron Nichols, USDA NRCS)

Sustainable Agriculture: Basic Principles and Concepts provides an overview of sustainable agriculture, tracing its origins and exploring its relevance to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals nationwide.

What is sustainable agriculture? Where did the idea come from? What does sustainable agriculture mean for farmers and ranchers? Can it help make farm and ranch businesses more successful? How does it relate to my role as an educator or researcher? This course will help you answer these questions.

Continue to the next page for a description of some of the specific outcomes you can expect from taking this course.