Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Sustainable farming systems are biologically-based and designed to be productive in both the short- and long-term.
Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--
- environmental
health,
- economic profitability, and
- social equity
Because it is more a philosophical approach to agriculture than a set of farming practices, the specific practices that can be called sustainable vary depending on the crop and the specific environmental and social issues important to a region. Therefore, it is important that all those interested in making agriculture more sustainable--consumers, growers, environmentalists, farm workers, processors, retailers--educate themselves on the related issues.
Does sustainable agriculture and organic farming mean the same thing?
No. Agriculture can be "sustainable" without being "organic." And some organic operations may not be sustainable. Organic farming excludes the use of any synthetic agricultural chemical and then certifies this to be true. Often, however, approaches to management of healthy soils can be similar between organic and sustainable farming systems.
Can chemicals be used in a sustainable system?
Yes. Growers frequently ask if synthetic chemicals are appropriate in a sustainable farming system. Sustainable approaches are those that are the least toxic and least energy intensive, and yet maintain productivity and profitability. There may be situations where the use of synthetic chemicals would be more "sustainable" than a strictly non-chemical approach.
For example, one technique for weed control may involve mechanical cultivation. A hoe, weed knife or other implement may need to make several passes in a season to do what one application of Round-Up (a relatively safe, effective, and economic herbicide) could accomplish in terms of weed control. The passes with the mechanical device have associated environmental and social risks (i.e., soil compaction, soil erosion, fuel consumption, potential worker injury). The manager needs to decide which is the most appropriate method based on a particular situation and resource concerns at a particular site. The manager may decide that the chemical option has less environmental, economic, and social risks than the non-chemical option.
Converting to sustainable practices does not mean simple input
substitution. Instead, sustainable farming substitutes enhanced
management and scientific knowledge for conventional inputs, especially
inputs that may threaten the natural or human resources. One goal of
sustainable agriculture is to develop efficient, biological systems
that do not need high levels of material inputs.
Read more about sustainable farming...and applications in vineyard mangement at Central Coast Vineyard Team
Adapted from materials from the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (UCSAREP) www.sarep.ucdavis.edu.