Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
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ers (Youngberg et al. 1993, 295). Sadly, the use of the term
sustainable
is so
popular that it has no “unifying vision” and is, to some extent, “meaning
less
” (Marshall 2000, 268). All of this is confusing for consumers. What is
a “sustainably produced” crop? Is it worth paying more for a “sustainable”
apple if we don't really know what that word means?
On the other hand, the term
certified organic
is a real, definable term
for consumers. We can define it because it is based on a specific process of
certification. Farmers must forego synthetic agrichemicals for three consec-
utive years; theymust maintain detailed farmhistories; theymust document
every input to their fields; theymust have an annual inspection by an outside
inspector; and they must show that they are building their soil through ro-
tation and use of greenmanure (crops planted and plowed under to fertilize
the soil).
The misuse of the term
sustainable
by some is unfortunate, as there
are so many valuable activities undertaken by honest proponents of sus-
tainable agriculture. For example, the National Campaign for Sustainable
Agriculture (2003) describes their mission as “educating the public on the
importance of a sustainable food and agriculture system that is economi-
cally viable, environmentally sound, socially just, and humane.” They post
very clear descriptions that help farmers and others understand the status
of specific national agricultural programs. They also “help grassroots con-
cerns and priorities be heard in Washington DC,” which is a monumental
task, indeed, given what we're up against.
But perhaps the sustainable agriculture movement has an opportunity to
take back themeaning of sustainable - and protect genuine organicmethods
at the same time. If sustainable agriculture could rally behind certified
organic farming, it could help consumers understand what they are buying,
and it could provide attention to the movement to keep organic farming
“honest”in terms of size, operation, and ownership. Thus, if certified organic
farming could become the accepted method of “sustainable” agricultural
production (thus providing an absolute definition of organic for consumers,
environmentalists, and policymakers), then organic farming could defend
itself against some of the negative forces stunting its honest development
today.
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O
RGANIC FARMING TODAY
We are at a crossroads. Organic agriculture has matured beyond its hippie
roots of the 1970s garden patches. Today organic farms are large and effi-
cient. They provide obvious alternatives to the economic and environmental
