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Sustainable Agriculture
 Websites presented in alphabetical order Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) 
 The AFSIC "specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices" by listing links to relevant sites. Searchable, or browse by topics such as sustainability, alternative plants and crops, farm energy options, grazing systems, organic production, ecological pest management, and soil and water management. Also includes related publications and a directory with links to searchable databases that pertain to sustainable/alternative agriculture. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Library. http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?tax_level=1&info_center=2 Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jul 25, 2007 Cabbage, Broccoli, and Other Cole Crops
Information about production practices for cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, and other leafy greens known as cole crops. "Cole crops are in the Brassicaceae family, formerly called Cruciferae. ... A kale-like ancestor was grown in gardens as far back as the time of the Roman Empire." Includes information about soils and fertilization, planting, and harvesting. From a professor of horticultural science at North Carolina State University. http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/sustainable/peet/profiles/c09cole.html Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables Last updated Jun 6, 2005 The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems
This center "is a research, education, and public service program at the University of California, Santa Cruz, dedicated to increasing ecological sustainability and social justice in the food and agriculture system." Its site features details about research activities and its "farm-to-college" program in which local produce is brought to school dining halls, research briefs (such as on land use and water quality), and crop information for gardeners (on garlic, apples, peas, and more). http://casfs.ucsc.edu/ Topics: Agriculture, Food & Cooking Last updated Jan 30, 2008 Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT)
The Web site for CCVT, "a non-profit grower-group whose mission is to promote sustainable practices on the Central Coast" of California, features information about the organization's program for reducing non-point source pollution from vineyards, an introduction to self-assessment of sustainable vineyard practices, and educational materials in Spanish. http://www.vineyardteam.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Crops Last updated Dec 28, 2003 Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF)
This organization focuses on biological farming, the economic viability of family-scale agriculture, and protecting land and water resources. Find the organization's history; directories of community-supported farms (CSAs), farmer's markets, and farm tours; an event calendar; and a FAQ and links to information about sustainable agriculture. Formerly the California Agrarian Action Project (CAAP). http://www.caff.org/ Topics: Agriculture Last updated Apr 28, 2005 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Resources about CSA, which "consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes ... the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support." The site includes a description of CSA, a list of CSA farms in the United States, and links to information related to CSA and sustainable agriculture. From the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center. http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jan 11, 2007 The Cultivar Newsletter
Published by the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz, this newsletter reports on research and activities at the center and includes "updates on sustainable agriculture topics, literature reviews, calendar section, and gardening information." The site includes issues from 1998 to the present. http://casfs.ucsc.edu/publications/cultivar/ Topics: Agriculture Last updated Mar 28, 2007 Death of the Dream: Farmhouses in the Heartland
Devoted to midwestern prairie farmhouses of the 1800s and early 1900s. Contains information on early settlers and homes, farming, balloon frame houses, the L house, the wheat boom and bust; excerpts from writings of the time (including authors Willa Cather, Bill Holm, and Orval Lund); a virtual farmhouse; and essays "What is Sustainable Agriculture?" and "A Sustainable Future?" Online companion to documentary film of same title by Minnesota's Twin Cities Public Television. From PBS Online . http://www.pbs.org/ktca/farmhouses/ Topics: Agriculture, Architecture, Architecture by Place, Beans, Grains, Nuts, & Seeds, Crops Last updated Apr 2, 2002 Earthworm Information
Includes articles, and profiles of eight key species of earthworm (most with photographs). From the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), University of California, Davis. http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/worms/ Topics: Agriculture, Animals Last updated Aug 9, 2003 Hog Production Alternatives: Livestock Production Guide
This publication discusses "alternative niche marketing, breed selection, alternative feeds, waste management, odor control, health concerns, and humane treatment." Although this technical document is meant for the livestock industry, it also includes good general information about the standards for raising organic hogs for pork products. Provides many related links. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/Hogs.html Topics: Agriculture, Livestock Last updated May 6, 2006 Introduction to Permaculture: Concepts and Resources
Introduction to this movement that is focused on "designing ecological human habitats and food production systems." Features definitions and characteristics of permaculture, applications (such as gardening, plant and animal agriculture, use of appropriate technology, and land use), principles, and lists of organizations, magazines, books, and web resources (some broken links). From the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/perma.html Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jul 30, 2005 Local Harvest
Search or browse to find "all the farmers' markets, family farms, locally-grown produce, grass-fed meats, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area." Iincludes farmers' markets, U-Pick farms, farm stands, meat/dairy/egg producers, and more. Listings include locations, contact information, and lists of available products by season. http://www.localharvest.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Food & Cooking Last updated Apr 28, 2005 Mother Earth News
Selections from the current print issue of "the original guide to living wisely" as well as older articles on do-it-yourself projects, building, gardening and farming, animals, sustainable country life, living off the grid, environmental issues, natural health, cooking, and homesteading. Features several message boards. Searchable. http://www.motherearthnews.com/ Topics: Agriculture, Food & Cooking, Home & Housing Last updated Mar 28, 2006 National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
This searchable site "provides information and other technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States." From ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas), a "national sustainable agriculture information service managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology." Most of the site is also available in Spanish. http://attra.ncat.org/ Topics: Agriculture Last updated May 7, 2006 Organic & Integrated Fruit Production Home Page
"Access resources related to integrated and organic fruit production," covering topics such as apple replant disease, orchard floor management, soil management, pest management, and mulching. Includes crop acreage data. From the Washington State University Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center. http://organic.tfrec.wsu.edu/OrganicIFP/Home/Index.html Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Gardening Last updated Oct 19, 2003 Organic Cotton Production
"This publication discusses specific insect management strategies for cutworm, cotton bollworm, tobacco budworm, pink bollworm, armyworm, loopers, thrips, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, aphids, whitefly, spider mite, and boll weevil. Seedling disease, soil disease, and foliar disease management are also discussed." Presents ideas about marketing organic cotton. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/cotton.html Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Gardening, Home & Housing, Plants Last updated Nov 23, 2005 Organic Seed Suppliers Search
"This database provides sources for organic seed of both agronomic and horticultural crops. Some national mail-order suppliers of untreated seed are included, with the emphasis on small alternative seed companies offering open-pollinated vegetable, flower, and herb seed." From the USDA-sponsored National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/altseed_search.php? Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Gardening, Plants Last updated Jan 11, 2006 Organic Sweet Corn Production
This collection of guidelines for organic production of sweet corn discusses strategies for weed control (especially cover crops), corn varieties that have some resistance to insects such as the corn earworm, post-harvest handling of this highly perishable crop, and marketing and economics. Includes references and related links. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/sweetcorn.html Topics: Agriculture, Beans, Grains, Nuts, & Seeds, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables Last updated May 21, 2008 Ratite Production: Ostrich, Emu and Rhea Livestock Production Guide
"This publication discusses the history of ratite production as an alternative livestock enterprise, and goes into many of the issues a beginning producer needs to consider before starting to raise ratites. It also lists ratite-related associations, websites, magazines, and books." Covers marketing, regulations, and pasturing. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/ratite.html Topics: Agriculture, Livestock Last updated Jun 2, 2006 Say It With Organic Flowers
This article presents arguments for selecting organically grown flowers over conventionally grown bouquets that often contain pesticides and chemicals. Discusses environmental concerns, worker health (including Colombian flower workers' exposure to pesticides), and alternatives and action items. Includes related links. From Real Money, a publication of Co-op America. http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/flowers.cfm Topics: Agriculture, Crops Last updated Apr 20, 2005 Small Farm Connection
Describes efforts to "work with communities to foster profitable family farms, land and water stewardship, and access to healthy food." Features annotated links to resources about crops, animals, soils, compost, weeds, pests, and marketing. The "Food and You" section offers links to information about sustainable local food production, food safety, dietary guidelines, and chefs and community organizations working with local growers. From Washington State University Cooperative Extension. http://smallfarms.wsu.edu Topics: Agriculture, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Dec 7, 2004 Sorghum Syrup
Overview of the "natural sweetener made by processing juice squeezed from the stalks of certain types of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) called sweet sorghum or sorgo." Includes links to other documents on sorghum syrup production. From Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), "the national sustainable agriculture information service operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology." http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/sorghumsyrup.html Topics: Agriculture, Sweets and Sweeteners Last updated Jul 30, 2005 Specialty Cut Flower Production and Marketing
"This publication discusses several marketing channels and lists flowers suitable for various markets. It covers production basics, harvest and postharvest handling, business planning and record keeping." Includes a bibliography and related links. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/cutflower.html Topics: Agriculture, Crops Last updated May 6, 2006 Spotlight: Livestock Impacts on the Environment
This November 2006 article highlights findings from a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations that says "livestock production contributes to the world's most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity." Includes recommendations (such as restoration of damaged land and sustainable livestock production practices) and related links. Available in several languages. From the FAO magazine Agriculture 21. http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0612sp1.htm Topics: Agriculture, Livestock Last updated Jan 2, 2007 The State of Sustainable Coffee: A Study of Twelve Major Markets
This World Bank Group 2003 report "documents the fundamental features of the main sustainable coffee available today, as well as the state of their current markets. It calls for stricter guidelines and policies on what can be labeled organic, fair trade, and shade grown — collectively known as sustainable coffees." Opens directly into a PDF document. http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2003/trade_state_sustainable_coffee.pdf Topics: Agriculture, Beverages, Crops, Economics, Industries Last updated Jun 18, 2008 Strawberries: Organic and IPM Options: Horticulture Production Guide
Provides information for strawberry production using organic growing methods and "covers integrated pest management [IPM] and weed control techniques that can reduce pesticide use in conventional strawberry production." Discusses planting, plastic mulch, weed and insect control methods, diseases, alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation, and harvesting. Lists plant sources, recommended varieties by state, and related resources. From the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/strawberry.html Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables Last updated Jul 30, 2005 Striving for Social Sustainability in Agriculture
This August 2004 feature article looks at social justice and labor issues in the organic agriculture movement. Discusses research and studies on treatment of farm workers, examples of attempts to improve conditions at California organic farms, living wages and the fair trade movement, and labeling of agricultural products. Includes links to related farms and organizations. From the Rodale Institute. http://newfarm.rodaleinstitute.org/features/0804/worker/ Topics: Agriculture, Labor Last updated Jan 2, 2009 Sustainable Poultry: Production Overview
"This publication provides information on raising poultry on pasture, including descriptions of production systems and facilities, as well as detailed nuts-and-bolts information." Discusses alternative systems such as yarding, free-range, colony, and permaculture methods. Includes links to related publications on organic livestock feed, poultry housing, and pastured poultry. From Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA). http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/poultryoverview.html Topics: Agriculture, Livestock Last updated Jun 27, 2006 Sustainable Table: The Issues
This site introduces users "to the major issues surrounding sustainable meat and factory farming." Topics include additives, animal welfare, genetic engineering, heritage livestock breeds and heirloom crop varieties, hormones, mad cow disease, slaughterhouses and processing, and soil conditions. From the Sustainable Table, "a consumer campaign developed by the Global Resource Action Center for the Environment (GRACE)." http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/ Topics: Agriculture, Animals, Food & Cooking, Industries, Livestock, Pets, Social Issues Last updated Jun 13, 2005 UC SAREP Cover Crop Resource Page
A searchable and browsable collection of "journal articles, conference proceedings, standard textbooks, unpublished data, and personal communications from researchers and farmers," concerning "the management and effects of more than 32 species of plants usable as cover crops." Also includes more than 400 cover crop images, and related articles. From the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), University of California, Davis. http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/ccrop/ Topics: Agriculture, Arts and Humanities, Crops Last updated Aug 23, 2003 The Vertical Farm
Discussion about the need for "vertical farms," a new approach to indoor farming. It is envisioned that such farms will be "efficient (cheap to construct and safe to operate) ... many stories high, [and] will be situated in the heart of the world's urban centers." The site features an essay, plans, and designs. From a professor and students at Columbia University. http://www.verticalfarm.com Topics: Agriculture, Gardening, Science, Science, Technology Last updated Aug 24, 2005 What is Sustainable Agriculture?
This essay defines sustainable agriculture, and explores its impact on farming, plants, and animals. Also provides information on sustainable agriculture within an economic, social, and political context. From the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP), University of California, Davis. http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm Topics: Agriculture Last updated Aug 24, 2003 World Resources Institute
"Objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that will foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development." Covers biodiversity, business and industry, global warming, forests, health, governance, sustainable agriculture, oceans and coasts, and water. Earthtrends, an environment information portal, provides databases, data tables, country profiles, maps, statistics, and feature articles in topical sections. http://www.wri.org/ Topics: Agriculture, Education, Finance, Regions of the World Last updated Jul 8, 2008 World Soil Resources
The Soil Survey division works with institutions in other countries to manage and conserve natural resources; to attain sustainable agriculture; and to address problems of food security, income generation, and the environment. Includes many links to international food and agricultural agencies. From the Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture. http://soils.usda.gov/use/worldsoils/ Topics: Agriculture, Geography, Poverty Last updated Oct 18, 2006 |
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