Figure One: Defining Sustainable Agriculture
Environmental vs Financial vs Social Sustainability
Defining the basis of sustainable agriculture outcomes is not easy. MAF has chosen to define it in terms of three concepts: economic, social and environmental sustainability. These are shown in figure one.
This approach is deliberately wider than that adopted by some agencies, and is based on field experience and an understanding of behaviour change psychology. Sustainable agriculture is only possible when all three components are addressed.
The objective is to move a "sustainability balance sheet" forward, even if at times components within the balance sheet may be moving at different rates.
Inherent in this approach are "tensions" and "trade-offs"; tensions between financial and environmental sustainability in particular; and trade-offs which recognise that the overall objective is to enhance the wellbeing of people (society). However, whilst many landholders havea common vision for the environment they wish to pass to their grandchildren, the means to achieve the end point are often initially different. The situation remains, however, that in order to ultimately secure environmental sustainability (and therefore the basis for ongoing life) the pathway must include financial and social outcomes.
The challenge is to present sustainable agriculture practices which support each of the components and recognise what "drives" farmer and grower behaviour. In our view, too few agency personnel recognise that all they can do is influence behaviour - not enforce it. Also, behaviour change needs facilitating even when policy settings are supportive - it won’t just happen.
The remaining sections in this paper discuss some of the tensions and trade-offs associated with achieving sustainable agriculture outcomes.
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