Beyond Organic

• March
• 23

3:04 am Sustainable Farming

When it comes to sustainable farming techniques, much is being written and done. But what does that mean for the local, small business farmer?

Although sustainable agriculture has roots in organic farming, many smaller farms are developing creative solutions to push their farms to what they call “beyond organic.” In the name of sustainable agriculture, Michael Ablemen, founder of Fairview Gardens, a 12-acre organic farm in Goleta, Calif., promotes urban farming as a way to localize food systems and empower cities to grow and supply their own food. Joel Salatin, owner of Polyface Farm in Swoope, Va., experiments with ways to increase the efficiency and sustainability of his farm. For example, Salatin allows the farm’s pigs to dig through hayshed beds that are designated for compost, thus eliminating the need for machines to aerate the compost.

In support of sustainable agriculture, many corporate buyers are also changing the way they do business – by working with suppliers to promote the procurement of organically, locally, or otherwise sustainably grown products. link

What are some things you can do on your farm to maximize sustainability?