GC33 Sustainable Agriculture (1990S713)

WHEREAS primary food production policy needs to reflect an understanding of sustainability

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 33rd General Council endorses the following principles of Sustainable Agriculture.

1. Ecological Soundness

   natural soil properties are retained or improved, while soil fertility is increased, a healthy human ecology is promoted by the production of safe, nutritious foods, reliance upon renewable resources and minimized external inputs, appropriate utilization of the agro-climatic resource base.

2. Economic Viability

   supporting an economy that will continue to thrive and assure a fair return to those involved in the production process while similarly assuring reasonable retail prices, taking into consideration all costs, subsidies and qualitative inputs.

3. Socially Just

   meeting the basic needs of all, while assuring basic rights, insuring fair equitable access to the resources of production and decisions as to how these resources are utilized (especially including the participation of women, youth, indigenous people and farm workers).

4. Humane

   embodying basic religious/spiritual values, recognizing an identity with and respect for all life, sustaining healthy, thriving communities, emphasizing agri-culture in contrast to agri-business.

GC33 1990 ROP, pp. 166-167