What Are the Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture?

The benefits of sustainable agriculture are really summed up in the name - agriculture that is sustainable for all parties involved. In other words, agricultural practices which allow farming to grow at a level which can be maintained and upheld. To accomplish this, food is grown and animals are reared using techniques that protect communities, the animals and the environment. It is an investment in the future. What are the benefits of sustainable agriculture? 1. Protects the Environment. Techniques are used to farm animals and crops without the need and reliance on pesticides, dangerous chemicals and GM (genetically modified) seeds. Some of these techniques are: Crop rotation. Each year different types of crops are planted in the fields. This helps to destroy pests and diseases which develop in the soil. Conversation tillage. This is a technique where the leftovers of the previous year's crop (for example, corn stalks) are not removed. This avoids problems like soil erosion. Pasture based livestock. This is where animals are raised in their natural environment. So they can roam and graze freely without being locked up all day in sheds and barns. 2. Protects Public Health. It is thought that in the US more money is spent on antibiotics for livestock than for humans. Many think that this is one of the main causes as to why more and more people are developing resistance to antibiotics. Sustainable farming avoids using and hazardous chemicals and pesticides. This is safer for the farm workers and for consumers. 3. Sustaining Communities. At the heart of any community should be a group of people who are happy and enjoy what they are doing. Sustainable farming gives those involved a living wage and makes sure that working conditions are safe. This has knock on effects in the local economy and also in families in general. 4. Animal Welfare Benefits. Animals are fed a natural diet and are allowed to roam in natural surroundings. These farming techniques ensure that the animals' well-being is cared for. This reduces stress and illness that comes with keeping animals together in close confines, like sheds and barns. Current Situation of Sustainable Agriculture. In many large industrialized countries, much of the farming done is in no way sustainable. Usually farms are owned by large multi-national corporations and much of the farming techniques rely on the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This has resulted in the destruction of communities and has led many companies to put profit first. This has also had a negative impact on the environment – health problems, soil erosion and air pollution are just some of the problems that have been created. More Awareness of Sustainable Agriculture Needed. There needs to be more awareness of the benefits that can come from using sustainable agriculture practices and of the detrimental effects that current farming and agricultural practices are having at the present. This can help individuals make better and more informed choices, thus resulting in a healthier and more productive society.