Organic Materials Management

Sustainable Agriculture

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture involves practices that sustain natural resources and biodiversity, while still being economically viable. These practices may include the use of beneficial insects, the planting of cover crops, and/or the application of compost or mulch. Farmers who commit to sustainable practices don’t necessarily give up all pesticides and herbicides. However, prior to spraying a pesticide, they are more likely to try ecologically sound alternatives, such as beneficial insects and pest monitoring.

Related CIWMB Links

• Demonstration Projects
• Ecological Farming Association/CIWMB Projects 
• On-Farm Composting
• Erosion Control Studies/Research

Organizations that support sustainable farming

The CIWMB has partnered with a number of organizations that support sustainable agricultural practices. These organizations support the use of compost as part of a sustainable farming system:

• Ecological Farming Association (http://www.eco-farm.org/)
• Community Alliance with Family Farmers (www.caff.org/)
• University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/)
• Central Coast Vineyard Team (www.vineyardteam.org/)
• Natural Resources Conservation Services

Last updated: April 23, 2008