What is Sustainable Agriculture?

The USDA defines Sustainable Agriculture as an agricultural production and distribution system that:

• Achieves the integration of natural biological cycles and controls,

• Protects and renews soil fertility and the natural resource base,

• Optimizes the management and use of on-farm resources,

• Reduces the use of nonrenewable resources and purchased production inputs,

• Provides an adequate and dependable farm income,

• Promotes opportunity in family farming and farm communities, and

• Minimizes adverse impacts on health, safety, wildlife, water quality and the environment.

For more information on sustainable agriculture, please visit the USDA SARE website.