What is sustainable agriculture?

 Sustainable agriculture: simplified definition and its importance at present

In this article, we will talk about the concept of permaculture in a simplified way, while trying to simplify the common definition of this distinctive agriculture that occupies the attention of many people in our time. We will focus on explaining the importance of sustainable agriculture and how it can be applied to ensure environmental sustainability, achieve food security, and improve farmers' standard of living.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Definitions of permaculture are beginning to appear in a variety of ways, but according to Google, permaculture is the philosophy of a set of practices that meet three basic conditions: First, respect for the environment. Second, the protection of natural resources. Thirdly, to ensure a fair and adequate income for farmers. Through this definition, we find that it focuses on the production environment in terms of soil, water and air, as well as how to obtain sustainable crops and profits.

But if we try to analyze this definition, we find some challenges. Is this philosophy enough to understand what we need to do to achieve sustainable agriculture? Of course not. We need to simplify and focus on the practical aspects that affect farmers and the production environment.

Agriculture as a production process

In essence, agriculture is a production process that encompasses several overlapping aspects: the product (farmers, machinery, producing companies, agricultural workers, etc.), the production environment (soil, water, air, climate), and the production process itself that includes the applications and techniques of agriculture with inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural mechanization.

What is sustainability?

Sustainability means a continuous positive impact on everyone now and in the future. In other words, how can we make agriculture a continuous process, bringing great benefits to society without any harm to the environment or the economy.

How to become sustainable agriculture?

For agriculture to be sustainable, producers – farmers, companies, agronomists, governments, and others – must collaborate to achieve continued profitability for farmers, increase their numbers, and improve their standard of living. Sustainable production must be achieved through available and high-quality crops, as well as ensuring the health of the end consumer.

Protection of the production environment

One of the fundamental issues in permaculture is the protection of the production environment. We need to ensure that soil, water, air and climate are conserved, and made more efficient for future agricultural operations. For example, planting techniques should be applied that maintain soil health, reduce water pollution and provide a suitable environment for future cultivation.

Production process and its applications

The agricultural process requires careful application of agricultural practices, as well as the provision of inputs that ensure a good harvest. This includes choosing high-quality seeds, using fertilizers and pesticides correctly, and modern technology that helps farmers increase productivity and reduce costs.

Consumer and sustainable agriculture

You can't talk about permaculture without talking about the end consumer, who is after all. The consumer needs healthy and safe food, meaning that agricultural products must be free of pollutants, attractive, and always available. Therefore, it is essential that sustainable agriculture meets consumer needs without harming the environment or the health of individuals.

Why is permaculture important now?

Sustainable agriculture is important not only for providing food, but also for preserving the environment and achieving food security for the future. With climate change, population growth, and water and air pollution problems, sustainable agriculture has become an urgent necessity to ensure that ecosystems remain able to support humanity's future needs.

The bottom line

Ultimately, sustainable agriculture is a holistic approach that enhances environmental protection, ensures adequate income for farmers, and improves the health and quality of food for consumers. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, we can ensure the continuity of these production processes effectively and efficiently, while preserving natural resources for future generations. Sustainable agriculture is not an option, but a necessity if we are to ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability in today's world.