Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

The National Organic Program of the USDA defines 'organic agriculture' as "a production system that is managed to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity." Organic farmers do not use chemicals (pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers) in an environmentally harmful manner.  Sustainable agriculture emphasizes maximizing long-term productivity while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. Production techniques focus on renewable resources, recycling of nutrients, and maintaining biological diversity. In both cases, the emphasis is on integrating economic, environmental, and sociological benefits in a system that can be maintained over the long term. Research areas in organic/sustainable production include weed control, insect and disease control, basic irrigation and nutrition information, compost production and utilization, and marketing practices adapted to small farmers.  Detailed information about these research programs can be accessed via faculty webpages.

Chase, Carlene A.     Treadwell, Danielle     Zhao, Xin