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Unit 1: Conceptual Framework and Historical Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture

Defining Sustainable Agriculture

In wrapping up this module, let's look at a selection of definitions of sustainable agriculture that have been developed over the years.

• A definition from the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990

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The term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
"satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."
1990 Farm Bill. Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACTA), Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1603.

• A definition by Francis and Youngberg found in "Sustainable Agriculture - An Overview"

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Sustainable agriculture is a philosophy based on human goals and on understanding the long-term impact of our activities on the environment and on other species. Use of this philosophy guides our application of prior experience and the latest scientific advances to create integrated, resource-conserving, equitable farming systems. These systems reduce environmental degradation, maintain agricultural productivity, promote economic viability in both the short and long term, and maintain stable rural communities and quality of life.
Charles Francis and Garth Youngberg. 'Sustainable Agriculture: An Overview' in Sustainable Agriculture in Temperate Zones, edited by CA Francis, CB Flora and LD King. New York: Wiley, 1990.

• A definition from the website: "Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Agriculture"

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Sustainable agriculture does not mean a return to either the low yields or poor farmers that characterized the 19th century. Rather, sustainability builds on current agricultural achievements, adopting a sophisticated approach that can maintain high yields and farm profits without undermining the resources on which agriculture depends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Agriculture. Food and Environment section at Union of Concerned Scientists website. (February 2005).


• A definition from the University of California's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

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A systems approach is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally...A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.
University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, What is Sustainable Agriculture? 1998. SAREP Website (February 2005).