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Unit 1: Conceptual Framework and Historical Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is science-based and involves researchers and educators from a wide range of disciplines. From the agricultural and environmental sciences, subject areas include: agronomy and other plant sciences; biology (e.g., entomology, plant pathology, nematology); and soil and water science. Sustainable agriculture also encompasses nutritional and health sciences. The social sciences such as economics, business and marketing, sociology, and community studies, are also critical in understanding and improving agricultural sustainability.

In an attempt to integrate these various disciplines, universities and colleges across the country have created degree programs, centers, or institutes focused on sustainable agriculture. And many professional societies and journals have developed specific programs and areas of emphasis in sustainable agriculture. Continue to the next page to learn more about some of these efforts.