What Is Sustainable Farming?

There has been a buzz recently about terms such as “sustainable farming” and “buying local.” So just what is sustainable farming? It is a way of raising food and crops that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances rural communities (source: www.sustainabletable.org). Sustainable agriculture employs traditional means to make the farm a self-contained ecosystem that produces food without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

Sustainable agriculture cuts down on farms’ heavy petroleum use by setting limits on how far food can be trucked from the farm to market. It also reduces petroleum use by growing crops without pesticides and fertilizers, most of which are derived from oil. Sustainable livestock are allowed to graze on grass in open pastures and are not fed antibiotics. Traditional livestock are raised in a feedlot, where they rarely move throughout their entire lives, are fed a diet of corn, grains, and animal by-products, and are pumped full of antibiotics and steroids so they can be slaughtered faster. Which one sounds more humane to you?

In addition to being better for the environment, meat, eggs, and dairy products from sustainable farms are much better for your health. Compared with everyday products found in the grocery store, they contain more good fats, fewer bad fats, and are higher in heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. They are also richer in antioxidants, including vitamin A, C, and E. Additionally, they do not contain added hormones, antibiotics, or other harmful chemicals.

Click below to check out an interesting video that highlights New York Times food writer Michael Bittman giving an enlightening speech at the TED Conference, one of the most respected conferences on innovation in the world.

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