What is Sustainable Agriculture Marty Baker CoState SARE Director

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What is Sustainable Agriculture?Marty
BakerCo-State SARE Director

• Answer Sustainable includes many types of
  agriculture

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Sustainable Ag The Official Definition

• ...All agricultural production systems and
  practices which are economically viable, environ
  - mentally sound, and socially acceptable ...

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Sustainable Ag Official Definition

• . . . and which contribute to a better quality
  of life for agricultural producers and their
  families and the general public.
• --Texas Cooperative Extension Sustainable
  Agriculture Strategic Plan

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Sustainable Production

• Farm profitability
• Environmental stewardship
• Quality of life for farm families and rural
  communities

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Sustainable Goals

• Sustain economic viability
• Sustain environmental stewardship
• Sustain social responsibility and quality of life

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Sustainable is Not Always Organic

• But it is innovative

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When is Agriculture Sustainable?

• Maintains a diverse ecosystem
• Reduces environmental impacts
• Minimizes pest problems
• It has to be profitable

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Sustainability is . . .

• A goal
• A direction
• A guiding principle

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Is Sustainability a Philosophy or a Set of
Practices?

• Sustainability has to be adaptable and supportive
  of community environments

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Sustainability is Profitable

• Includes production and processing
• Business concepts and marketing

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Sustainable is Environmental Management

• Soil management
• Crop management
• Livestock management
• Water management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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S.A.R.E. the Texas Program

• SARE Sustainable Agriculture Research and
  Education
• Mutual goal of both programs is to teach
  technical skills and to provide information

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And Dont Forget Marketing

• Most sustainable operations fail not from poor
  production practices but from lack of marketing
• Photos by Robert Burns