An Oregon Perspective on Agriculture
John M. Luna
Department of Horticulture
Oregon State University
According to the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, sustainable agriculture seeks to develop integrated farm and ranch systems that will, over the long term:
- Satisfy human food and fiber needs
- Sustain the economic viability of farm and ranch operations and their communities
- Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends
- Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
The principles of sustainabilty provide a context within which to examine decision-making concerning farming and ranching practices. Sustainability implies a longer time frame when thinking about and evaluating the impacts of agricultural practices. Sustainable farming and ranching are dynamic, evolving systems. Decision-making is site-specific, information-intensive, and usually involves trade-offs among multiple goals.
Department of Horticulture
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Featured Case Study
Brick House Vineyards
Doug Tunnell, a native Oregonian, established one of the first certified organic vineyards and wineries in Oregon. By setting an example in a rapidly growing agricultural industry, Doug has motivated other wine makers and vineyard owners to transition their operations to organic and sustainable methods. Since 1994, Brick House's wines have had a reputation for being vividly flavorful and distinctive – and have made a mark with concerned consumers.
Source: Sustainable Northwest
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Featured Oregon Organization |
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Western Juniper Commercialization Project
http://juniper.oregonstate.edu
The Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Commercialization Project is the result of discussions during a 1991 focus group of wood products manufacturers organized by the USDA Forest Service's Winema National Forest in southcentral Oregon. The purpose of the focus group was to identify critical issues from a manufacturer's perspective, potential areas of cooperation, and who could consider working together with the Forest Service, and other government and non-profit economic development organizations. |
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