Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is a way of practicing agriculture which seeks to optimize skills and technology to achieve long-term stability of the agricultural enterprise, environmental protection, and consumer safety. It is achieved through management strategies which help the producer select hybrids and varieties, soil conserving cultural practices, soil fertility programs, and pest management programs. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to minimize adverse impacts to the immediate and off-farm environments while providing a sustained level of production and profit. Sound resource conservation is an integral part of the means to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Conservation Practices Photo Gallery

Information Resources

Sustainable Agriculture - Definitions and Terms
USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center

National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture
The National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture is a nationwide partnership of diverse individuals and organizations cultivating grass roots efforts to engage in policy development processes that result in food and agricultural systems and rural communities that are healthy, environmentally sound, profitable, humane and just.

New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) Cornell Cooperative Extension
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program develops sustainable ways to manage pests and helps people to use methods that minimize environmental, health, and economic risks.

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG)
NESAWG is a regional network of member organizations and individuals working together to create a more sustainable and secure regional food system - one that is economically viable, environmentally sound and socially just and produces safe and healthful food.

Sustainable Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
NIFA promotes sustainable agriculture through national program leadership and funding for research and extension. It offers competitive grants programs and a professional development program, and it collaborates with other federal agencies through the USDA Sustainable Development Council. NIFA is the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CRESS).

Sustainable Agricultural System Laboratory (SASL) USDA Agricultural Research Service - ARS
The Sustainable Agricultural Systems Lab determines principles and practices that support the development of sustainable agricultural systems.

The USDA supports three major programs that offer sustainable agriculture information and assistance. Whether you are a farmer, an educator or a researcher seeking more information about sustainable agriculture in general, about a specific crop, or help with a specific problem, these programs can help.

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)
The Alternative Farming Systems Information Center specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices in support of USDA's effort to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and farmers worldwide.

Northeast SARE - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE)
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program is a USDA competitive grants program supporting agriculture that is profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities. SARE supports research and education that helps build the future economic viability of agriculture in the United States.

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA)
The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site features in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other Federal sustainable agricultural activities.

The New American Farmer

Profiles of Agricultural Innovation

Among the more than 60 farmers and ranchers featured in The New American Farmer, a 200-page book published by SARE, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, are several who have achieved their conservation goals with help from NRCS. The members of the Hayes Family, located in Warnerville, New York share insights of their achievements.

Web Pages of Similar Interest

Organic Agriculture (NRCS New York)

If you encounter problems with this Web page, please contact the Webmaster at 315-477-6524.

< Back to NRCS New York Technical Resources