Sustainable Agriculture Systems
for Profit, Stewardship, Family and Community
Website: http://sustainable.tamu.edu
| In this issue: Spring 2000, No. 3 Quarterly Newsletter What is Sustainable Agriculture? Small Farm Program/Sources Summer Internship Opportunity in Sustainable Agriculture |
In my last newsletter, I used the definition by Congress to inform everyone what is Sustainable Agriculture. There are numerous groups around the country that are defining Sustainable Agriculture as "organic" production or "environmental agriculture." "Organic production" and "environmental agriculture" are all a part of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable Agriculture is economically profitable, environmentally responsible, and will improve the quality of life for producers. The use of BMP's (Best Management Practices) are an integral part of any production system, irregardless of the system used.
For example, Dr. Tom Fuchs, IPM coordinator for Texas has defined IPM as a "decision making strategy that applies the best science available to the solution of pest problems." That definition can also be considered a definition of Sustainable Agriculture by changing the word pest to production.
Small Farm Program
Small farm producers may be interested in obtaining information through the
USDA's sources if they are looking for more reading. The Cooperative State,
Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), is an agency within the US
Dept. of Agriculture. It has a small farm program committed to meeting the needs of
small producers. The goal of the CSREES program for small farms is to improve the
income levels and economic viability of small farm enterprises in partnership with the
land-grant university system, public and private sectors.
There are a number of information sources:
1. The Small Farm Website in USDA_CSREES is http://www.reeusda.gov/smallfarm There is a Small Farm Digest newsletter available from that site as well as links to other sites. Other types of information include the Small Farm Resource Guide, fact sheets on traditional crops, etc.
2. There is also a "Hotline" telephone number to request publications, etc.
1-800- 583-3071.
3. Electronic mail access is available by computer users at the following address: smallfarm@reeusda.gov
4. The newsletter, Small Farm Digest is published quarterly.
5. There is also a host of other publications
- a. Getting Started in Farming
c. Part-Time or Small Farms
d. So You Have Inherited a Farm
e. Via The Home Farm
If you are looking for information on "organic" or "environmental agriculture" or "alternative agriculture" visit the web site of ATTRA, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas. They are an part of USDA devoted to providing publications often written by "producers and professionals." They can be contacted by calling 1-800 346-9140. Their mailing address is
ATTRA
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
When telling clientele of these other sources of information,
please remind them that much of the information may NOT be
localized. Much of it is written from an eastern U.S. perspective -
acid soils, lots of rainfall, etc. Techniques, ideas and suggestions
may be useful, but often direct recommendations
DO NOT fit much of Texas. (such as liming soils as a general
recommendations).
Summer Internship Opportunity in Sustainable
Agriculture
I was sent information from North Carolina State University, Center for Environmental Farming Systems, about an opportunity to earn six credit hours. It is from June 5 to July 31, 2000. The information I received says there are three different "tracks"; a research, extension and farming practicum whereby students will be taught various agricultural topics. There is a tuition fee of $476. There is a free housing or a $640 stipend. If you are interested you may wish to contact
Keith Baldwin, Ph.D
Internship Coordinator
Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, NCSU
Raleigh, NC 27695-7609
919-515-1199.
By Charles Stichler
SARE Coordinator and
Extension Agronomist
P.O. Box 1849
Uvalde, Texas 78802
830/278-9151
E-mail: C-Stichler@tamu.edu
Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex religion, disability or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the county commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.