The Key Elements of Sustainable Agriculture
Element 1. Advanced Agricultural Practices
This Element establishes the importance of using advanced agricultural practices, including: 1) integrating organic practices as these are proven to be practical, with transition times to be determined on a per crop, per region basis; 2) where organic practices are not practical, integrating IPM practices that minimize the overall use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; 3) allowing only the lowest risk synthetic pesticides to be used, and to be avoided as topical residues; 4) allowing no net discharges of pesticide run-off into the surrounding environment; 5) advancing soil fertility, conservation and erosion control; and 6) optimizing the use of varieties, cultivars and seedstocks selected for planting through careful crop management.
Element 2. Water Resource Management
This Element establishes the need to implement effective water delivery, conservation and water quality management techniques in regions where fresh water resources are being depleted.
Element 3. Ecosystem Management and Protection
This Element establishes the need to mitigate any ecological damage that may be caused by an agricultural production operation, either through habitat restoration or through equitable compensation accomplished by means of land set-asides or other mechanisms.
Element 4. Management of Wastes and Hazardous Materials
This Element calls for the recycling or composting of agricultural wastes and the proper disposal of agricultural chemicals.
Element 5. Social Responsibility
This Element calls for agricultural producers to adhere to internationally, nationally or locally recognized labor and community standards, including but not limited to standards pertaining to employee health and safety, wages, living conditions, hiring practices, discrimination, harassment, physical abuse, and forced labor.
Element 6. Material and Energy Resource Conservation
This Element addresses the need for maximum energy efficiency in production, handling and transport of products, and the need to minimize use of materials (e.g., packaging).
Element 7. Product Quality, Chain of Custody, and Functionality
This Element establishes the importance of maintaining product quality throughout the chain of custody, based on standards of quality recognized in the marketplace. Food products must meet minimum appearance, nutrient density, purity and taste levels accepted within the industry or mandated by the government. Quality assessment of fiber products must take into consideration the functionality of the product. Finally, producers and handlers must implement and adhere to practices and procedures that ensure traceability as well as appropriate storage and handling conditions.
