The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices

ISBN-13: 9780849319174 / Angielski / Twarda / 2009 / 380 str.

Stephen R. Gliessman; Gliessman R. Gliessman; Sean L. Swezey

Opis

With all of the environmental and social problems confronting our food systems today, it is apparent that none of the strategies we have relied on in the past higher-yielding varieties, increased irrigation, inorganic fertilizers, pest damage reduction can be counted on to come to the rescue. In fact, these solutions are now part of the problem. It is becoming quite clear that the only way to keep the food crisis from escalating is to promote the conversion processes that will move agriculture to sustainability. Under the editorial guidance of agroecology experts Martha Rosemeyer and the internationally renowned Dr. Stephen R. Gliessman, The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices establishes a framework for how this conversion can be accomplished and presents case studies from around the world that illustrate how the process is already underway. The book provides a four-stage transition process for achieving sustainability and an in-depth analysis of the global efforts to make farms more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. An international team of chapter contributors explores ways to lessen dependency on fossil fuels and pesticides, and examines each step in the conversion process. They also describe the process of monitoring change toward sustainable agriculture while integrating social and economic analysis within scientific practices. Serving as both a core textbook for students and a comprehensive reference for agricultural practitioners, this volume is a valuable resource for the change that is needed in our food system now and in the future.

Spis treści

BASIC PRINCIPLES The Framework for ConversionStephen R. Gliessman What Do We Know about the Conversion Process? Yields, Economics, Ecological Processes, and Social IssuesMartha E. Rosemeyer The History of Organic AgricultureRachael J. Jamison and John H. PerkinsGLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Northern Midwest (U.S.): Farmers’ Views of the Conversion ProcessPaul Porter, Lori Scott, and Steve Simmons Pacific Northwest (U.S.): Diverse Movements toward Sustainability Amid a Variety of ChallengesCarol Miles, David Granatstein, David Huggins, Steve Jones, and James Myers California (U.S.): The Conversion of Strawberry ProductionStephen R. Gliessman and Joji Muramoto Ontario, Canada: Lessons in Sustainability from Organic FarmersE. Ann Clark and Jennifer Sumner Mexico: Perspectives on Organic ProductionMaría del Rocío Romero Lima Mexico: Traditional Agriculture as a Foundation for SustainabilityAlba González Jácome Cuba: A National-Level Experiment in ConversionFernando R. Funes-Monzote The European Union: Key Roles for Institutional Support and Economic FactorsGloria I. Guzmán and Antonio M. Alonso Japan: Finding Opportunities in the Current CrisisJoji Muramoto, Kazumasa Hidaka, and Takuya Mineta The Middle East: Adapting Food Production to Local Biophysical RealitiesAlireza Koocheki Australia: Farmers Responding to the Need for ConversionDavid Dumaresq and Saan EckerTHE WAY FORWARD Transforming the Global Food SystemStephen R. Gliessman