Sustainability & Sustainable Agriculture Mrs. Kate Rathka Topic 1070 Background art by Scott Patton,

Learning Objectives To use the word “Sustainability” and know its meaning To be able to cite a few examples of sustainable practices and explain why they are sustainable To apply sustainable practices into your own agricultural activities What is one agricultural activity that everyone participates in?

Easter Island Example

Sustainability Maintainable Meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations Requires responsible management Many interpretations of what is sustainable and what is not

Sustainability EconomicSocial Environmental

Sustainable Agriculture Social –Rural Lifestyle –Family Farming –Society needs enough food to eat Economic –Farmers need to make profit Environmental –Must be maintained for the benefit of all, now and in the future

Agriculture’s Effect Water –Irrigation can cause heightened soil salinity –Nitrates can contaminate water supplies Energy –Non-renewable depletion Air –Dust from Tillage –Pesticide drift Soil –Erosion –Nutrient depletion

Sustainable Agriculture in Practice Maple Syrup ProductionPastured Livestock

Sustainable Agriculture in Practice Cover CropsNo-till Farming &lr=&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title no-till+farming+pictures

What are some other practices that could be considered sustainable?

Conclusion It is important to conserve natural resources for the health of the planet and for future generations. Agriculture is an influential way that all of us can make a difference—because we like to eat, we are all involved

References University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: “What is Sustainable Agriculture?” Places of Peace and Power: “Easter Island” r_island.html r_island.html