Part 407.0 -

Purpose

This part defines the Natural Resources Conservation Service policy regarding sustainable agriculture. It also presents pertinent interpretations and exhibits which facilitate execution of that policy.

Part 407.1 -

Definition

Sustainable agriculture is a way of practicing agriculture which seeks to optimize skills and technology to achieve long-term stability of the agricultural enterprise, environmental protection, and consumer safety. It is achieved through management strategies which help the producer select hybrids and varieties, soil conserving cultural practices, soil fertility programs, and pest management programs. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to minimize adverse impacts to the immediate and off-farm environments while providing a sustained level of production and profit. Sound resource conservation is an integral part of the means to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Part 407.2 -

Policy

The Natural Resources Conservation Service will, through its programs of resource conservation technical assistance, continue to provide producers with choices to accomplish their goals while providing sustained production, profit, environmental quality, and food safety. As such, NRCS will not treat sustainable agriculture as a separate program, but will integrate its principles into existing technical materials and training programs.

Part 407.3 -

Relationships to Research

At all levels within NRCS, cooperation with the research community and with forward-thinking producers will continue to be the means by which our technical capability is kept ready to meet the challenges of sustainable agriculture.

Part 407.4 -

(Reserved)