Not only are farmers the producers of our nations food supply, they are also stewards of the natural resources that provide a stable, healthy food supply. An agriculture that is sustainable recognizes and seeks to balance farm profit over the long term with needs for good soil and clean water, a safe and plentiful food supply, and rural communities that provide meaningful work and are inviting places to live. Traditionally, we have studied agriculture by examining each component separately.
Agronomists study crops, soil scientists study soil, hydrologists study water.
This can result in a lack of appreciation of how the system's parts fit together and interact. Farmers that practice sustainable agriculture understand the complex relationships among all parts of the agroecosystern, and make decisions based on these relationships. Poster board, color markers, paints, magazines and newspapers. Introduce the term Agroecology Agroecology incorporates ideas about a more environmentally and socially sensitive approach to agriculture, one that focuses not only on production, but also on the ecological sustainability of the production system. Make a list Ask each student to list five ways that farmers can practice sustainable agriculture.