Source: Allen, P., D. Van Dusen, J. Lundy, and S. Gliessman. 1991. Integrating social, environmental, and economic issues in sustainable agriculture. Am. J. Altern. Agric. 6:34-39.

In order to prevent sustainable agriculture from reproducing problems stemming from conventional agriculture, a comprehensive definition of sustainability is needed. The article addresses all researchers, educators, policy makers, and activists who influence the direction of sustainable agriculture programs. The authors seek to caution them from accepting new "sustainable" systems as being truly sustainable until a broader perspective of sustainability is adopted. Even though some wish to be done with the discussion of definitions and get down to work, the authors contend that a clearer definition of sustainable agriculture should be found before "sustainable" systems can be recognized. Commonly published definitions of sustainable agriculture are introduced as a preamble to a discussion of the three main components of a sustainable system of agriculture: (1) economic, (2) social, and (3) ecological. Rather than limiting their definition solely to issues of farm production and short-term profitability, as is done in many other definitions, the authors present a definition based upon "whole-systems" and the "interactive nature of all aspects of the agricultural system." The authors integrate these concepts into their new definition: "A sustainable agriculture is one that equitably balances concerns of environmental soundness, economic viability, and social justice among all sectors of society."

Abstract author: Susan K. Crisfield, 4 December 1995.

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