AGRICULTURE

The sustainable agriculture program focuses on providing education and demonstrations that promote the ecological use of resources and to develop direct marketing opportunities for Sarasota County's agricultural producers. This information is based on the best management practices for sustainable agricultural production that supports producers to achieve economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The Program also provides information to Sarasota County residents on agricultural awareness and local food system.

Learn more about sustainable agriculture with a free, online course from the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. The course provides a basic understanding of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it. The course is designed for farmers – from beginners to experienced agricultural producers – interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices. If you are a consumer or part of the allied industries, it will describe its goals and its relevance to your local food system; that is, from farm to plate. To start your education about sustainable agriculture, visit SARE.org.

Agroecology

The science of agroecology researches practices to achieve the goals of sustainable agriculture. Agroecology is the application of ecology to the design and management of a whole-system approach to agriculture and food systems development. It is based on traditional knowledge, alternative agriculture, and local food system experiences that link ecology, culture, economics, and society to sustain agricultural production, healthy environments, and viable food and farming communities. For more details about agroecology see the following PDF files:

• Agroecology (part 1): Introduction, concepts, and environmental agroecology (PDF: 6.7mb)
• Agroecology (part 2): Social and economic agroecology (PDF: 3.5mb)
• Agroecology (part 3): Climate change resiliency (PDF: 4.0mb)