Is "Sustainable Agriculture" Certification on the Way?

As we've discussed in recent posts, the organic label is a good standard bearer but it isn't the only factor that should be considered when choosing which food to buy and consume. "Sustainability," that ever-present buzzword, is arguably more important, and according to a New York Times blog post, a debate is underway over a proposed "National Sustainable Agriculture Standard."

One outcome of this effort could be a new “sustainable agriculture” label stamped on food — similar to the way some food is now marketed as organic. It could also create a system that rewards farmers for doing things like reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizer they use.

On the surface, it sounds like a worthy cause, but to the dismay of organic food advocates, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the USDA are pushing for the inclusion of GMO crops, arguing that the "sustainable" standard should be far more inclusive than current organic standards.

Even if that's the case, the move towards creating an official "sustainable agriculture" could still be a positive development, because in order for a farm to be certified organic, it must free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers for three years. Creating a broader "sustainable" standard could possibly make it easier for farmers to transition to sustainable and ultimately organic farming.

-Mark