Sustainable Ag
The 4Ps of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture is based on four interconnected and co-dependent foundations that drive its mission forward:
People
The global population is projected to rise to 9.7 billion by 2050. Ensuring the production of ample, nourishing food for all is one the greatest challenges of the 21st century. The People pillar of Sustainable Agriculture begins with those charged with food production – the farmers and growers of the world. Creating conditions to ensure the resilience of rural farming communities is essential to the success of the food production chain.
Agriculture provides directly and indirectly, a source of livelihoods for rural households totaling 2.5 billion people. Yet, poverty is excessively associated with agriculture, and agriculture is among the riskiest types of businesses. Agriculture can only become sustainable if it provides decent employment conditions to those who practice it, in an economically and physical safe, and healthy environment.*
*Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Prosperity
Thousands of years after the emergence of organized agriculture and the establishment of the first agrarian communities, farmers and growers of all types continue to be the engine that drives the world’s food supply. Enabling them to maintain cost-efficiency and to produce profitable yields is paramount to the survival of the world’s most noble profession.
The transition to sustainable production can only take place when there is the right balance between private and public sector initiatives, as well as accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law. Agriculture is and will remain an economic activity driven by the need for those practicing it to make profit and ensure a decent living out of its activities.
Those involved in farming, fishing and forestry need to be provided with the right incentives that support the adoption of appropriate practices on the ground. Sustainability will only be possible through effective and fair governance, including the right and enabling policy, legal and institutional environments that strike the right balance between private and public sector initiatives, and ensure accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law.*
*Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Prosperity
Thousands of years after the emergence of organized agriculture and the establishment of the first agrarian communities, farmers and growers of all types continue to be the engine that drives the world’s food supply. Enabling them to maintain cost-efficiency and to produce profitable yields is paramount to the survival of the world’s most noble profession.
The transition to sustainable production can only take place when there is the right balance between private and public sector initiatives, as well as accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law. Agriculture is and will remain an economic activity driven by the need for those practicing it to make profit and ensure a decent living out of its activities.
Those involved in farming, fishing and forestry need to be provided with the right incentives that support the adoption of appropriate practices on the ground. Sustainability will only be possible through effective and fair governance, including the right and enabling policy, legal and institutional environments that strike the right balance between private and public sector initiatives, and ensure accountability, equity, transparency and the rule of law.*
*Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Perpetuity
Maintaining the field-to-fork continuity of the food supply is a mainstay in sustainable agriculture programs. Ensuring perpetuity in the years to come will require “bridge solutions”, enabling growers to move from a toxic pesticides system to a healthier, zero residue, biological-based system. Integrating natural, biologically-sourced solutions to complement and eventually replace synthetics is therefore more urgent than ever before.
Planet
As the availability of arable land and water sources for irrigation diminish in the wake of our increasing demand for food, fostering greater environmental safety in farming ecosystems is paramount.
Sustainable production practices involve a variety of approaches. Specific strategies must take into account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and the individual grower’s goals. Despite the site-specific and individual nature of sustainable agriculture, several general principles can be applied to help growers select appropriate management practices:
- Selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to conditions on the farm
- Diversification of crops and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm
- Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality
- Efficient and humane use of inputs*
*Source: UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute
Planet
As the availability of arable land and water sources for irrigation diminish in the wake of our increasing demand for food, fostering greater environmental safety in farming ecosystems is paramount.
Sustainable production practices involve a variety of approaches. Specific strategies must take into account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and the individual grower’s goals. Despite the site-specific and individual nature of sustainable agriculture, several general principles can be applied to help growers select appropriate management practices:
- Selection of species and varieties that are well suited to the site and to conditions on the farm
- Diversification of crops and cultural practices to enhance the biological and economic stability of the farm
- Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality
- Efficient and humane use of inputs*
*Source: UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute
+972.72.2570001