Sustainability is about using resources responsibly to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It’s a concept that combines environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, often visualized as three interconnected pillars. Essentially, it’s about finding a balance between human well-being and the health of the planet.

The term “sustainable agriculture” was defined in 1977 by the USDA as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

• satisfy human food and fiber needs
• enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
• make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
• sustain the economic viability of farm operations
• enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues or challenges, potential solutions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant legislation, committees, agencies, programs in addition to information on the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.

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The Sustainable Agriculture category has related posts on government agencies and departments and  committees and their Chairs.