Agriculture often places significant pressure on natural resources and the environment. Sustainable agricultural practices are intended to protect the environment, expand the Earth’s natural resource base, and maintain and improve soil fertility. Based on a multi-pronged goal, sustainable agriculture seeks to:
- Increase profitable farm income
- Promote environmental stewardship
- Enhance quality of life for farm families and communities
- Increase production for human food and fiber needs
Importance of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture frequently encompasses a wide range of production practices, including conventional and organic. A regionally integrated system of plant and animal production practices are designed to produce long-term results such as:
- Production of sufficient human food, feed, fiber, and fuel to meet the needs of a sharply rising population
- Protection of the environment and expansion of the natural resources supply
- Sustainment of the economic viability of agriculture systems
NIFA’s Impact
NIFA seeks to stimulate innovation in key areas of sustainable agriculture. Our programs provide services that:
- Engage farmers and ranchers in the development and adoption of practices that are profitable and environmentally sound.
- Support research and education intended to help farmers and ranchers mitigate and adapt to climate change
- Improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability
- Address threats from pests and diseases
- Improve the quality of surface water and groundwater resources
