What is a sustainable agriculture? Sustainable agriculture can be defined as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices that meet three main goals: 1.environmental health = ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP 2.economic profitability = PROFIT OVER LONG TERM 3.social and economic equity = QUALITY OF LIFE FOR FARMERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES The word "sustain," from the Latin sustinere (sus-, from below and tenere, to hold), to keep in existence or maintain, implies long-term support or permanence. As it pertains to agriculture, sustainable describes farming systems that are "capable of maintaining their productivity and usefulness to society indefinitely.

Global Concept of Sustainable Agriculture

Natural Ecosystems are Already Sustainable In order to be sustainable, wastes and other organic matter are recycled and broken down by microbes into soil humus and simple nutrients, which are then available for the plants to use. A natural ecosystem has so many interactions among its species, it is quite stable, able to withstand disturbances such as a damaging storm or a drought. So, if one or several species are largely killed off, there are others that can take over their function in the system. Thus a natural ecosystem is sustainable, able to continue indefinitely. The variety of species in nature is often called “biological diversity,” or “biodiversity.”

ecosystem services Natural ecosystems also perform a number of functions that benefit humans, called ecosystem services. These may include: moderating the local weather (less extreme temperature and humidity), less severe flooding (by soaking up heavy rains), cleaning up polluted water, control of plant pests and diseases by their natural enemies, disposing of dead plants and animals, making the soil more fertile, and pollination of many plants. In fact, we might say that human civilization would not exist without these free services of nature.

Pollination as ecosystem service pollination/Pollination-FolderFlyer_web.pdf

How Sustainable Farming Mimics Natural Ecosystems soil is treated as the valuable resource by improving its ability to grow healthy crops. Recycling manure, crop residues and/or compost ensures its fertility. Nearby natural ecosystems, such as grassy fence-row vegetation, field corners, meadows, woods and marshes are cultivated to maximize protection from pests and weather. Various cover crops and inter-planted crops can smother weeds and supply nutrients to other crops (as with legumes supplying nitrogen). Biodiversity of crops and animals protects against bad weather and volatile markets. Also a variety of species is a closer approximation of a natural ecosystem than is a monoculture of one or two crops and no animals.

What does a sustainable agriculture look like? A cattle rancher might divide his rangeland into paddocks in a rotational grazing system to better manage soil and water resources while improving animal productivity. A field crop farmer might implement a rotation to break up pest cycles, improve soil fertility and cut costs, or use cover crops—non-cash crops grown for their benefit to the soil and ability to suppress weeds. A fruit and vegetable grower might try a new marketing approach such as selling directly to restaurants in a nearby city to gain a larger share of the consumer food dollar.

Best Practice Sample Ecological Insect And Weed Management Ecological pest management avoids single-bullet solutions that can harm beneficial insects, and instead uses a combination of many complementary strategies—for example:  biological controls such as trap crops for insect pests,  physical removal of weeds and insects,  application of chemicals if necessary,  and other methods such as selecting crops that smother or shade out weeds and creating habitat for beneficial insects. Program-Materials/What-is-Sustainable-Agriculture

Best Practice Sample Marketing Farmers and ranchers can boost their financial sustainability by using a greater diversity of marketing techniques: processing on-farm; creating value-added products and a strong brand identity; conducting market research to match product to demand; selling direct to consumers at farmers markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) enterprises, roadside stands or through the Web; and delivering to restaurants, small grocers and local institutions

Social and Community Benefits

Best Practice Sample Rotational Grazing Management-intensive, or rotational, grazing systems keep animals moving from pasture to pasture to provide  high-quality forage and reduce feed costs. An added bonus is that—with a little attention from the farmer or rancher  - grazing animals distribute manure across the field, which contributes to soil fertility and reduces the need for purchased fertilizer inputs.

Best Practice Sample Conservation Tillage Many soil conservation practices: contour tillage, reduced tillage and no-till, —help prevent soil loss from wind and water erosion also help minimize soil compaction, conserve water and store carbon to help offset greenhouse gas emissions

Best Practice Sample Cover Crops Growing plants such as; rye, clover or vetch -after harvesting a cash crop can provide multiple benefits, including weed and insect suppression, erosion control and improved soil quality.

Best Practice Sample Crop, Livestock And Landscape Diversity Growing a greater variety of crops and livestock— especially genetically diverse open-pollinated plants and heritage breeds—can make a farm more resilient to diseases and pests, as well as extremes in weather and market conditions. Certain agroforestry techniques— inter-planting trees with crops and growing shade-loving specialty crops, —help conserve soil and water, provide wildlife habitat and increase beneficial insect populations.

Best Practice Sampler Nutrient Management Well-managed and properly applied on-farm nutrient sources—such as manure and leguminous cover crops— build soil, protect water quality and reduce purchased fertilizer costs

Best Practice Sampler On-Farm Energy Conservation And Production Farmers and ranchers are using energy-saving devices, windmills and solar power, while also learning how to grow and process their own fuel. These practices not only make farm operations more profitable, clean and efficient, they help reduce dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Best Practice Sampler A Whole-Farm Approach A whole-farm approach combines the practices listed above into one integrated management system that works with nature: Reducing tillage and careful application of on-farm nutrient sources build soil organic matter energy costs are reduced when fuel is produced from waste or renewable sources pests are controlled by plant and landscape diversity income is boosted by more efficient use of on-farm resources

A Closer Look at Organic Farming organic-farming.html

Definition of organic agriculture “An ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity” - USDA National Organic Standards Board, 1997

U.S. market for organic products Annual growth rate for organic food market is 22%. Organic products are sold in 20,000 natural food stores. 73% of all supermarkets and grocery stores sell organic food. 13,000 certified farms in 2007 vs 3000 in 1994 Organic products are also directly marketed through increasing number of farmers markets.

Goals of organic agriculture Produce food of high quality in sufficient quantity Maintain biological diversity within the farming system Maintain long-term soil fertility Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems Minimize pollution and protect the environment

What is allowed in organic crop production? New varieties of crops and agricultural technologies Crop rotations, cover crops, and natural-based products that maintain soil fertility Biological, cultural, and physical methods to limit pest expansion and increase population of beneficial insects

What is not allowed or strictly limited in organic crop production? Synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides Genetically modified herbicide-resistant seeds, plants “Biosolids” or sewage sludge, due to concerns with bacterial and heavy metal contamination Irradiated products also prohibited because irradiated elements do not occur in nature

What is allowed in organic livestock production? Organic livestock must be fed 100% organic food/feed. Natural bacteria present in vaccinations are permissible. Livestock must be free of parasites and have access to ample pasture, water and nutritional feed. Alternative health therapies, such as botanical remedies and manipulation are allowed.

What is not allowed in organic livestock production? Synthetic hormones and antibiotics –Note that no hormones are allowed in any pork or chicken (USDA) Synthetic parasiticides

Summaries of more than 70 scientific studies Full references/links to original research articles Categorized by topic Project of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture Source of all the photos in these slides Scientific Findings About Organic Agriculture Animal Health & Welfare Fruits & Vegetables Grains Meat Milk Organic Farming & Niche Markets Organic/Conventional Comparisons Poultry About the Project For a summary of research findings

Comparison of Organic vs. Conventional Cucumber “No significant differences in cucumber yield were found in the different fertilizer and irrigation treatments tested. However, the yields from the lower rate of farmyard/poultry manure with organic supplements were the same as the higher rate of farmyard/poultry manure used by itself. Due to reduced production costs and a price premium for organic products, the organic produce yielded more than twice the return per square meter than the conventional produce. The results indicate that, under present conditions, organic greenhouse cucumber production has less environmental impact and is more economic than conventionally grown cucumber crops due to reduced chemical input and reduced operating and initial investment costs”

What is a “local (or regional) food system”? A method of food production and distribution that is geographically localized. Food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to consumers' homes. In general, local/regional food systems are associated with sustainable agriculture, while the global industrial food system is reliant upon industrial agriculture.

industrial food systems Industrial farming negatively impacts the environment by polluting the air, surface water, and groundwater, over- consuming fossil fuel and water resources, degrading soil quality, inducing erosion, and accelerating the loss of biodiversity Industrial agriculture also adversely affects the health of farm workers, degrades the socioeconomic fabric of surrounding communities, and impairs the health and quality of life of community residents conventional food is estimated to typically travel between 1,500 and 3,000 miles to reach the consumer and usually requires additional packaging and refrigeration services/The20Benefits20of20Sustainable20Food%5B1%5D.pdf

Benefits of the Sustainable agriculture -Summary services/The20Benefits20of20Sustainable20Food%5B1%5D.pdf

2014 Virginia’s Dominion Envirothon Oral Presentation Problem Your group is planning to purchase a 40 acre plot of land in Amherst County, Virginia with intentions of creating a sustainable agricultural operation. You will need to create a logical plan to adequately prepare yourself to incorporate the three pillars of sustainable agriculture into your project as you follow through with this endeavor. Your ultimate goal is to create a plan that will ensure your potential plot of land and future operation will meet the definition of sustainable agriculture. Your presentation should address the following:  General requirements of a plot of land to sustain your farm and meet your personal and financial needs: soil and water resources, proximity to sources of income, climate, zoning and regulations, utilities, public services, etc.  How will you generate income and/or market your products? Will you need another job?  What role will the farm play in your community?  Will you become certified organic, why or why not?  How will your project address soil health, water quality, and biodiversity?

Amherst County, VA

Amherst County Nestled in the foothills of Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains near Lynchburg, Amherst County is cattle country. More than 12,000 head of beef cattle are raised on the hilly terrain, along with hay and feed corn. Scenic Amherst is home to 424 farms on 88,430 acres. In addition to cattle, hay and grains, farmers here also take advantage of the moderate Piedmont climate to grow apples

aus/AmherstCounty/OurAgriculture.aspx

Farm Bureau Fresh Locator

Additional info /local farms resources