Sustainable Agriculture: A Holistic Approach
Building on an earlier blog article where we defined sustainability and noted that many within the produce industry already practice it, let’s dig deeper into defining sustainable agriculture specifically.
The University of California’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) defines sustainable agriculture as a farming approach focused on feeding our growing population by meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
SAREP also says, “Practitioners of sustainable agriculture seek to integrate three main objectives into their work: a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social equity. Every person involved in the food system—growers, food processors, distributors, retailers, consumers, and waste managers—can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system.”
This is consistent with the triple bottom line definition (or three P’s—people, planet, profit) that Measure to Improve uses. Well-rounded sustainable agriculture should integrate these three core pillars, which are essential for building a resilient and sustainable food system.
A Holistic Approach
So, what would this look like for an organization that is examining or looking to create some sustainability goals? Sticking to SAREP’s definition – a healthy environment, economic profitability, and social equity – here are a few objectives that fall under each.
Healthy Environment
Reduce Soil Erosion: Implementing practices that preserve topsoil and maintain its fertility.
Conserve Water: Utilizing efficient irrigation systems and water management practices to reduce water waste or consumption.
Minimize Chemical Pollution: Reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that can harm ecosystems.
Economic Profitability
Fair Labor Practices: Ensuring that all workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.
Supporting Rural Communities: Strengthening the economic viability of rural areas through sustainable farming practices.
Social Equity
Fair Returns on Investment: Farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts, promoting long-term sustainability and productivity.
Inclusivity: All members of the food system, including marginalized groups, have equal opportunities to participate and benefit.
Sustainable Agriculture in Practice
And how would this look like in practice? To achieve these three objectives, sustainable agriculture employs various techniques to maintain healthy ecosystems and productive cropping systems. Below are a few examples.
Organic Farming
Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in favor of natural processes. By using natural nutrient sources and pest control methods, organic farming improves soil health and reduces pollution. It also promotes biodiversity and agroecosystem health.
Reducing Tillage
Reducing tillage helps prevent soil erosion, preserve soil structure, conserve moisture, and increase soil organic matter. This practice also reduces fuel consumption and supports carbon sequestration, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management combines biological, cultural, and mechanical controls with minimal chemical use to manage pests sustainably. This approach balances environmental and economic considerations, ensuring effective pest control while minimizing harm to ecosystems.
Water Management
Efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation and practices like precision irrigation help conserve water. These methods ensure crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, reducing waste.
Soil Carbon Amendments
Soil carbon amendments involve applying carbon-based materials derived from plants or treated animal byproducts. These amendments build soil organic matter, promote biodiversity, sequester carbon, and improve soil structure.
Cover Cropping
Cover cropping involves planting grasses, legumes, and other forbs for seasonal vegetative cover. This practice reduces erosion, limits runoff, builds soil organic matter, and enhances soil structure and biodiversity.
Building Your Holistic Approach
In summary, sustainable agriculture is a comprehensive approach that seeks to balance environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity. Through implementing diverse techniques, involving stakeholders, and collaborating across the industry, we can keep driving the industry forward on sustainable agriculture and closer to SAREP’s definition of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
If your organization needs support in starting a sustainable agriculture program, Measure to Improve is here to help. We work with clients and their leadership teams to assess their sustainability position by understanding their priorities, business opportunities and risks, and competitive landscapes. From there, we craft a Strategic Sustainability Framework that includes goals and an action plan.
Learn more about our Sustainability Strategy Planning Service.