Let's start by demolishing a theory based on confusion: sustainable is not organic. Organic food is like saying homegrown food. It's the same thing. Prior to chemically powered nutrients, that was the only food humanity knew. Meaning a century ago everything was organic. Well, mostly, if you count out the crops that grew near industrial quarters and were thus affected by heavy pollution. But if you grow organic on a very large scale that doesn't mean environment is safe. Pollution will occur, soils will be depleted of organic matter and fuels will be spent. Organic food is better for you, not for the environment. Sustainable farming on the other hand means growing food indefinitely on the same area. You farm so as to not deplete the soil, limit your pollution and control the usage of water.
Twenty years from now the Earth will be a billion people richer. Which means that resources will not be enough for everybody. There will be famine, water shortages and energy cutouts. It's not a science fiction screenplay; it's a statistical truth. We already consume more than the Earth regenerates yearly.
In order to attempt sustainable farming, you should think about your resources. Do not take more than can be replaced naturally. Avoid throwing away garbage. Think of things that you can do with your waste. It's called recycling and reusing. In the Universe nothing is created, nothing is lost but everything is transformed.
Do not go exotic, use whatever breeds are adapted to your locale. Cultivate crops and pasture in rotation, so it will not affect the land. Keeping the land fertile is your main goal. If one piece of land starts to deteriorate it will be decades before it can be relied upon again. And avoid the use of pesticides. There are damaging agents and pests that you do not want to have around, but Darwin was right, they have their own damaging agents that come for free. For example, planting trees around the land. They act as windbreaks and also provide a habitat for local birds which prey on insects that prey on crops. There are plants like basil, which act as an insecticide. Plant some more of them. Keep around animals that prey on your damaging agents, and tolerate natural predators.
Think up plans that will help generate an income. Sustainability is lost unless you can get a profit out of your farm so you can keep it running. Once your actual farming is sustainable and the farm manages to pay for itself, you have it on a proper course.
Last but not least, you have to keep the fuel waste to a minimum. In short, do not use machines, but use manual labor. Hence, you will have to find experienced people whose decisions and expertise will benefit your farm. They will not be able to rely upon machines to have the work done, but upon their own hands. Pick carefully, your future depends on it.
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At the moment, the market seems to overflow with unhealthy products, so taking care of your crops looks like a viable alternative. It is healthier and it doesn't involve so many risks to your health. This article can only be reproduced in its entirety when the link to lacartes.com is live at all times.
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