Organic Materials Management
Sustainable Agriculture
Green highlighted words indicate definitions and links to the glossary section.
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture involves practices that sustain natural resources and biodiversity, while still being economically viable. These practices may include the use of beneficial insects, the planting of cover crops, and/or the application of compost or mulch. Farmers who commit to sustainable practices don’t necessarily give up all pesticides and herbicides. However, prior to spraying a pesticide, they are more likely to try ecologically sound alternatives, such as beneficial insects and pest monitoring.
Related CalRecycle Links
- Demonstration Projects
- Ecological Farming Association/CalRecycle Projects
- On-Farm Composting
- Erosion Control Studies/Research
Organizations that support sustainable farming
The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) (now known as the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery or CalRecycle) has partnered with a number of organizations that support sustainable agricultural practices. These organizations support the use of compost as part of a sustainable farming system:
- Ecological Farming Association
- Community Alliance with Family Farmers
- University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
- Central Coast Vineyard Team
- Natural Resources Conservation Services
Organic Materials Management http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/
Contacts: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/Contacts.htm