SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ECOSYSTEMS 

 

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fiber, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare.  This form of agriculture enables us to produce healthful food without compromising future generations' ability to do the same. HOSCO works to support the transition to a sustainable food future by educating people about the benefits of sustainable agriculture (and the problems with the industrial alternative), and by providing tools and resources to help consumers make better food choices. 

 

The primary benefits of sustainable agriculture are:

 

Environmental Preservation

Sustainable farming produces crops and raise animals without relying on toxic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified seeds, or practices that degrade soil, water, or other natural resources. By growing a variety of plants and using techniques such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and pasture-based livestock husbandry, sustainable farms protect biodiversity and foster the development and maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

 

Protection of Public Health

Food production should never come at the expense of human health.  Since sustainable crop farms avoid hazardous pesticides, they're able to grow fruits and vegetables that are safer for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities.  Likewise, sustainable livestock farmers and ranchers raise animals without dangerous practices like use of nontherapeutic antibiotics or arsenic-based growth promoters.  Through careful, responsible management of livestock waste, sustainable farmers also protect humans from exposure to pathogens, toxins, and other hazardous pollutants.