The relationships between farmers, researchers, suppliers, workers, unions, processors, retailers, consultants, consumers, and policymakers often shift with new technology to bring about changes in policy, economics, and even society. Sometimes local and federal policies can hinder the goals of production agriculture, including sustainable agriculture. Public policies must encourage profitability, social acceptance, and environmental quality, which are the goals of sustainable agriculture. Tax policies, price support programs, government research policy, and marketing orders or standards may need to be modified to allow farmers the full benefits of productivity gains from alternative practices, sustainable alternatives, and diversity. The policy may have to be addressed at every level by local coalitions.
Land use is another area of concern for the agricultural community as urban uses increase.
Rapid growth and rising land values put farming on prime soils at a disadvantage and, in turn, discourage farmers from adopting sustainable practices and a long-term perspective of the value of land for farming. At the same time, the nearness of residential areas to farms also increases public demand for environmentally safe farming practices. Sustainable production practices involve several general principles that can help growers select appropriate management practices. Specific strategies must consider topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, input availability, and the individual grower's goals. Diversification of crops and cultural practices.