Is Sustainable Agriculture the same as Organic Farming?

No, but there are similarities. In order to be certified organic farmers must demonstrate that their land has been pesticide-free for three years or more and meet other USDA criteria posted earlier on this Web site. It is a system of agriculture that encourages healthy soil and crops through such practices as nutrient recycling of organic matter, crop rotations, proper tillage and the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In order to maintain their organic certification, farmers must keep accurate records of crop yields and maintenance and files annual reports to the USDA.

Farmers participating in sustainable agriculture share the same philosophy of land stewardship and a healthy environment but do not adhere to the strict guidelines of organic farming. Sustainable agriculture is recognized as a commitment to both growing and distributing food to “meet the needs of current and future generations in a manner that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially just.”

You will often find organic and sustainable farmers side by side at a farmers’ market, selling their produce and plants, unless the market is an organic-only market. Of all the farmers’ markets in the Chicago area, the Green City Market only features farmers who are certified organic.