Ag & Society
Introduction
Most definitions of sustainability include three “legs” – economic, environmental, and social. An important impetus for the expanded interest for sustainable agriculture occurred during the 1980s farm crisis in the Midwest. Family farms were going out of business in record numbers due to poor economics. At the same time, soil erosion and water quality deterioration continued at serious levels. The stress on farm families during that time, and the resultant impacts on their communities, was significant. These events forced many to understand that all three legs must be addressed if agriculture is to be more sustainable.
Other social issues intersect directly with agriculture. Are farms providing the food and fiber products that society wants and needs? Do farms provide various “ecosystem services”, such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, cleansing of air and water, and open space? Who benefits from the current federal farm policies and who would benefit or lose from other alternatives? What is “fair” treatment of farmworkers in an industrialized food system? Should rural communities be abandoned while their populations continue to decline? Or is a “rural renaissance” possible where urban dwellers with portable skills move to rural communities for the quality of life? And how does one resolve cultural conflicts that may occur when this happens? The social dimensions of sustainable agriculture have historically received the least attention. But that is changing with the increased awareness and interest in our food systems and the intertwined nature of agriculture and the rest of society.
CSANR Projects
Agriculture of the Middle. This initiative focuses on “agriculture of the middle,” which includes over 80% of farmland in the U.S. that is managed by farmers whose operations fall between small-scale direct markets and large, consolidated firms. These mid-scale farmers are increasingly left out of our food system, and will likely disappear in the next decade or two. The “public good” that these farms have provided in the form of land stewardship and community social capital will disappear with them.
Community Capacity Building. Dr. Don Nelson has been providing training to many Washington citizens in the use of Holistic Management for decision making in their families, on their farms and ranches, and within rural communities.
Resources
WSU Resouces
Executive Summary: Creating a Sustainable Future for Fish, Water and People in the Pacific Northwest
Creating a Sustainable Future through Holistic Decision-Making
Other Resources
Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network. Bellingham, WA. 360-527-9426. This grassroots group has been working on a number of issues in the state and influencing public policy.
Center for Rural Affairs, Walthill, NE. A leading non-profit organization working on a positive future for rural America through local projects and national policy. A staff member is currently located in Eugene, Oregon, to help with Northwest issues.