Sustainable Agriculture

"The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social and economic equity." The author explores "the philosophy and practices underpinning sustainable agriculture."

NIFA "promotes sustainable agriculture through national program leadership and funding for research and extension," "offers competitive grants programs and a professional development program," and "collaborates with other federal agencies." Site includes the legal definition of sustainable agriculture and a list of common farm and ranch practices.

Identifies the best sources to research this multi-faceted topic:

• What is Sustainable Agriculture?
• What standards are available for sustainable agriculture?
• Where are the best sustainable agriculture research and information sources?
• How can I find sustainable agriculture people and organizations?
• Where can I explore educational and career opportunities?
• Who will fund my sustainable agriculture research project?
• Where can I find sustainable agriculture events and calendars?

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) works to advance farming systems and innovations "that improve profitability, stewardship and quality of life" through a nationwide research and education grants program. Publishes What is Sustainable Agriculture? with snapshots of producers who apply sustainable principles on their farms and ranches.

Describes USDA projects and publications documenting multi-disciplinary research to understand fundamental agro-ecological processes underlying sustainable systems.

Organizes USDA research on technologies and strategies needed to help farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural practitioners manage their resources. Includes National Programs on Pasture, Forage and Rangeland Systems (#215) and Agricultural System Competitiveness and Sustainability (#216).

Research on how changes in global climate may affect both U.S. and world agricultural production and on those agricultural practices - such as conservation tillage or winter cover crops - that can mitigate climate change by reducing emissions or increasing carbon sequestration.

"FAO has developed a common vision and an integrated approach to sustainability across agriculture, forestry and fisheries." Discusses frameworks and approaches tailored to specific agricultural sectors, describes international partnerships, and provides news and full-text resources.

This guide details USDA programs, arranged by Agency, "that have been created to help farmers succeed." Each program description "provides helpful information on who's eligible, what a program helps farmers do, and where to go to get more information."

A directory of U.S. institutions and organizations that offer undergraduate and graduate programs, research opportunities, or training in organic, alternative, or sustainable agriculture. Identifies student farms and research and demonstration farms.