agrar•i•an (\ ə-'grer-E- ən, -'grar- \ adj -
Latin agrarius, from agr-, ager field)
1 : of, relating to, fields or lands or their tenure;
2 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of farmers or their way of life b: organized or designed to promote agricultural interests.
Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities.
Characteristics of this type of agriculture include:
- Conservation and preservation.
What is taken out of the environment is put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil and air can be replenished and are available to future generations. The waste from sustainable farming stays within the farm's ecosystem and cannot cause buildup or pollution. In addition, sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize transportation costs and fossil fuel use, and is as locally based as possible. - Biodiversity.
Farms raise different types of plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Chemical pesticides are used minimally and only when necessary; many sustainable farms do not use any form of chemicals. - Animal welfare.
Animals are treated humanely and with respect, and are well cared for. They are permitted to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting or pecking, and are fed a natural diet appropriate for their species. - Economically viable.
Farmers are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Sustainable farmers help strengthen rural communities. - Socially just.
Workers are treated fairly and paid competitive wages and benefits. They work in a safe environment and are offered proper living conditions and food.
Family farmers who are hardworking, honest and sincere people, run the vast majority of sustainable farms. They work all hours of the day and night to bring you the freshest, tastiest, best quality food available.
Excerpted from www.sustainabletable.org, an organization that celebrates the sustainable food movement, educates consumers on food-related issues and builds community through food. Projects include The Meatrix, award-winning, humorous animations on industrial agriculture, and the Eat Well Guide, an online directory of sustainably-raised products from farms, stores, restaurants, and other outlets in the US and Canada.
