Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture

The Bayside Grange participates in Sustainable Agricultural efforts by working with the Northcoast Growers Association and the Community Alliance for Family Farmers - Humboldt: We have planned and coordinated events together while the Grange continues to be a central meeting facility.

Work in sustainability for us includes becoming more energy efficient, reducing our waste, composting, watershed protection, supporting family farmers, fostering farm tours, and ongoing plant sales. Programs we have hosted have focused on CEQA, Historic Preservation, Septic systems and Salmonids. Farm to School / Institution as well as "Buy Fresh - Buy Local are programs we support.
We also support the efforts of our sister Bodega Bay Grange whose members include Commercial Fishermen and Women who consider themselves the "Farmers of the Sea".

Definitions & Excerpts from UC SAREP

Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity.

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.
A systems perspective is essential to understanding sustainability. The system is envisioned in its broadest sense, from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. An emphasis on the system allows a larger and more thorough view of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. A systems approach gives us the tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment.
A systems approach also implies interdisciplinary efforts in research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farmworkers, consumers, policymakers and others.

Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is a process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals influence how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realize that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum." The key to moving forward is the will to take the next step.
Finally, it is important to point out that reaching toward the goal of sustainable agriculture is the responsibility of all participants in the system, including farmers, laborers, policymakers, researchers, retailers, and consumers. Each group has its own part to play, its own unique contribution to make to strengthen the sustainable agriculture community.
Strategies are grouped according to three separate though related areas of concern: Farming and Natural Resources, Plant and Animal Production Practices, and the Economic, Social and Political Context. They represent a range of potential ideas for individuals committed to interpreting the vision of sustainable agriculture within their own circumstances