Existing and newly developed ideas need to be tested on farms. A role of extension will be increased involvement in direct testing of technology. We need balance, diversity, and an ability to adapt to changes that are useful in helping agriculture be sustainable in all of its dimensions. Sustainable Agriculture in North Carolina North Carolina farmers are already using sustainable components, such as crop-livestock systems, integrated pest management, legumes in rotation, and organic wastes as nutrients. In view of the environmentally sensitive setting in which agriculture operates today, there is both the need and the opportunity to expand and intensify these components, both individually and in combination.
Extension agents play a vital role in increasing awareness of sustainability.
Current issues like food safety and water quality are likely to be important indefinitely. Extension can make a significant contribution by developing educational programs that address these issues and foster the adoption of sustainable practices. Obviously, the greatest incentive for adopting sustainable farming practices is economic benefit. Modification of current agricultural policy regarding commodity programs and acreage controls would encourage widespread adoption of sustainable farming systems. For example, the benefit of including a legume in rotation and greater crop diversity can be realized only if there is greater flexibility in maintaining base acreage requirements and deficiency payments based on historic yields.