Sustainable Agriculture in Vermont

Figure 1: Vermont Farm (Meerilees, 1996)

What Is Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture not only includes methods of farming, but an entire philosophy of farm practices. These practices take into consideration the importance of community, the environment, and tradition while running a profitable farm. According to the 1990 Farm Bill issued by congress, sustainable agriculture was outlined as, "an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

• satisfy human food and fiber needs
  
• enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
  
• make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural
  
• biological cycles and controls
  
• sustain the economic viability of farm operations
  
• enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."
  

Environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity are also important factors to take into consideration when thinking of sustainable farming (Feenstra, 1997). Sustainable Agriculture looks at methods of agriculture and production. Within these means of production, sustainable methods work to achieve efficient harvests, while keeping in mind the management of the land in relation to future generations. Here, practices such as crop rotation and movement of herds from pasture to pasture allow the soil and landscape to regenerate naturally. These methods cut down on soil erosion and nutrient deficiencies within the soil. As opposed to synthetic fertilizers that deplete the soil of nutrients, sustainable practices rely, "on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, appropriate mechanical cultivation, and mineral bearing rocks to maximize soil biological activity, and to maintain soil fertility and productivity" (Ecological Agriculture Projects, 1989). Sustainable practices take into consideration that the land is one of the most important resources to the farmer. By working with the land rather than depleting it, the farmer may increase yield while producing high quality goods. This also allows the landscape the ability to mature slowly, leaving it with the capability to flourish for generations to come. While working with in the farm, the sustainable practice also goes outside the farms boarders. Working with the community to gain greater involvement between farmer and consumer. Here economic issues not only fall on the farmer, but the community as a whole. In an agricultural region, the farm is part of the local economy. This relationship is of the utmost importance for all parties involved.

Agriculture and the effects on soil, one of the most important resources to the farmer

Sustainable farming methods have been practiced for generations throughout history. Crop rotation is one of the oldest forms of soil science and sustainable methods. Only with the dawn of the industrial revolution have our agricultural practices and goals changed. Many farms have moved toward specialized production of few varieties of crops. Specializing crops often does not include crop rotation practices, which can have a wide range of effects on the landscape and crop health and yield. Each variety of crop adds and extracts certain nutrients, both to and from the soil. If the crop is planted on the same plot year after year, nutrients are extracted more quickly than they can be replaced. Many of the important soil nutrients that are at risk of depletion include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium to name a few. These nutrients play important roles in crop health, growth, and yield. Due to the intensification of crops and the reduction of crop variety, these nutrients may be depleted at alarming rates. To compensate for the loss of these natural elements, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides are needed. The application of these materials adds to the cost of production, and in many studies, have proved to be inferior to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. After extended use, many commercial fertilizers may in effect, do more harm than good to crops and soil. In fact, it has been found that, "one teaspoon of compost rich organic soil hosts 600 million to 1 billion helpful bacteria from 15,000 species. One teaspoon of chemically treated soil can host as few as 100 bacteria."(Ecochem, 2002) Chemical and pesticide application also can lead to species mutation. In this case, problematic insects become resistant to pesticides being applied. As a result, increased pesticide application occurs in attempts to eliminate the insects. Increased application means more work for the farmer and boosted overhead costs in fertilizer. Along with higher amounts of chemicals present in the soil, potentially leading to runoff problems.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are some of the most important nutrients present in the soil. They also are some of the most commonly depleted from soils and routinely find their way into water systems through runoff. Many commercial fertilizers contain nutrients such as nitrogen, in different concentrations than those that would naturally occur in manure or compost. In commercial fertilizers for example, nitrogen is commonly found in a nitrate form (No3) which is highly water soluble (Motavalli et al,2001). The solubility leaves nitrogen and other nutrients prone to runoff into surface and ground water systems. Due to runoff, the fertilizers do not efficiently mix with the soil. This decreases the amount of nutrients available to soils, resulting in the need for increased fertilizer application. The increased use of fertilizer means that the farmer must purchase more fertilizer, adding to overhead costs. Another issue involving greater use of fertilizers is the potential health risks related to contaminated drinking water as a result of runoff. An average of 22% of wells located in rural areas were contaminated with nitrate levels far exceeding the federal level. (Ecochem, 2002)

Nitrogen application relies on many environmental factors if it is to be efficiently absorbed into the soil. Frequently nitrogen is not absorbed efficiently due to soil moisture levels, soil temperature, type of soil, time of year applied, and method of application (Manitoba Agriculture and Food, 1999). Along with nitrogen, these factors hold true for many nutrients included in commercial fertilizer. In many cases, these are not absorbed by the soil as efficiently as natural fertilizers because they break down more quickly and readily on the surface of the soil, not penetrating the soil surface layer.

Another issue related to the application of commercial fertilizer is the possible over accumulation of nutrients and chemicals both in soils and crops. Many of chemical fertilizer components have been found to leave residues on many food products. "The 1999 FDA pesticide residue monitoring program found pesticide residues on 38 percent of domestic grain products, 29 percent of fish/shellfish, 60 percent of fruits, and 29 percent of vegetables." (Ecochem, 2002) These residues can accumulate in human bodies causing potential health risks. In many cases, our children are at the greatest risk from these residues. Their immune system is not as developed as that of adults, and these chemicals may affect them in greater ways. The USDA and the Food and Drug Administration found that "each day in the United States more than a million children age 5 and under who eat a normal diet ingest doses of organic phosphate pesticides that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s adult reference doses." To add to this troubling figure, "twenty million American children age 5 and under eat an average of eight pesticides a day (Ecochem, 2002).

Excess amounts of nutrients can lower crop yield, extend maturing or harvest time, and effect end quality of the harvest. Excess application to young crops may boost productivity too soon in the crop's life cycle. This can result in water and soil moisture problems later on in the season. If the crop grows too quickly early in the season, "the greater leaf area at an earlier date results in greater loss of water due to transpiration" (Foth,1972). If weather problems such as drought arise, these issues could greatly affect the final harvest.

Natural fertilizers such as compost prove to allow greater growth of certain species of soil fungus. These fungi are natural parts of the soil habitat that are beneficial in many ways. The presence of species such as that aid in biological control of disease, bacteria and insects. Sustainable practices take into consideration the importance of these natural factors. Many commercial fertilizers are not able to distinguish between positive and negative bacteria and insects

Insects are another natural part of soil habitat that aid farmers in many ways. Various species of ladybugs, snails, beetles, and grasshoppers are just a few types of insects that add to the potential productivity of the crop. These insects can help control enemy species such as cabbage beetle, potato aphids, and cabbage worm (BICONET, 2002). Many commercial pesticides and fertilizers eliminate these insects, not being able to differentiate between beneficial and non-beneficial species. The farmer must again make up for this loss with increased pesticide use. Adding to general costs of operation, and creating more work in means of application.

With the alteration of soil nutrients, pH, and chemical makeup, the way in which soils handle irrigation and precipitation begin to change. Soils lacking nutrients may become dry, leading to a host of potential problems. When the moisture level in the soil decreases, the soil's ability to absorb water is lowered. The soil structure then has the ability to change as well, directly affecting productivity and yield. "The most favorable condition for plant growth is that with a well developed stable 'crumb' structure in the upper rooting zone of the soil. This is because it provides the optimum balance of (a) large pore spaces between the 'crumbs' which facilitate free drainage and good aeration, and (b) small pore spaces within the crumbs helping to retain water and nutrients for the growing plant." (Lenihan et.al,1976) As the soil is depleted, erosion and runoff begin to effect farmland. The farmer is left to compensate for these soil issues with added fertilizer use, which not only affects the final product, but also may lead to environmental issues such as nitrogen runoff into streams and water systems.

Sustainable production in many aspects is easier and more profitable to the farmer in the long term. Crop rotation allows the soils nutrients to naturally replenish themselves. This cuts costs on fertilizers, which are commonly used to make up for soil nutrient deficiencies. Crop rotation should follow a cycle. If a farmer has corn planted in a field one year, the next year that corn should be planted in another field, only to return to the original field 3 to 4 seasons later. This rotation also helps in insect and disease issues. Various forms of disease can survive with in plant tissue once tilled back into the ground after harvest. If the same crop is planted, the strain of disease has the opportunity to grow stronger and infect the crop. In considering rotation, crops should also be chosen on the depth of their root systems. By rotating shallow and deep root systems, different levels of the sub-soil can be utilized.

The practice of crop rotation also can play an interesting role in dairy and livestock production. First, the farmer must be in the position to pasture their herds. There are many advantages to rotating herds from pasture to pasture. Not allowing herds to remain on one pasture cuts down on soil erosion, lowers nitrate levels from excrement buildup, cuts feed costs and allows grazing materials to replenish themselves naturally. There are numerous studies that also have found that herds that are pastured may produce greater amounts of milk. The stress level of the animal directly relates to lactation and enzyme levels in milk. Essentially, the happier the cow, the greater amount of quality milk it may produce.

Commercial fertilizers are mixed or created with an emphasis on certain concentrations of elements. If one does choose to use a commercially mixed fertilizer, the greatest amount of care should be taken in choosing the right mix for the individuals soil type, pH, and crop needs.

Economics of Sustainable Agriculture

In any business situation the bottom line always comes down to one question, is this profitable? The discussion between conventional and sustainable agricultural economics is one of great difficulty. Conventional agriculture yields high profits from intensification of cropland with few or monocrops. The economic advantage that the conventional farm holds places great pressure on the small farmer. These constraints are making survival for the small farm more and more difficult. The cost of operation is constantly while revenues to the farmer are decreasing. Just recently, "the average cost of operating a farm in the north east increased 2% from 1999 to 2000 (NEASS, 2001). In relation to revenues, "in 1910, American farmers received about 41 cents of the consumers food dollar. In 1992 they received only 9 cents.(NEASS, 2001)

Sustainable agriculture many times proves to be more expensive and time consuming in the short term. The benefit to the farmer comes in the form of long-term harvests. At first, crop yields may be lower than if harvested using conventional methods, but over time, as the richness of the soil increases, crop yield usually increases. Switching to sustainable methods takes an initial investment and restructuring of farm practices. After two or three years of sustainable practices, the value of this method begins to take shape. Costs are lowered in chemical and fertilizer application, in regards to animal production, feed costs decrease from pasturing, and crop yield increases due to soil health. Another economic benefit to sustainable agriculture is diversification. If a farmer is growing a single crop, or few varieties of crop, that farmer is locked into one market. For example, if one is only growing soybeans, and that particular year drought, disease, or market fluctuations impact soybeans, that farmer is facing great losses. By diversifying crops, if one crop is not efficient, the others may bring in enough income to cover expeses for that year.

Soil, as mentioned earlier is one of the farmer's most valuable resources. Degradation of this resource only lowers the farms value and productivity. In looking toward long-term profits (30-40 years later) the productivity of that land is greatly decreased. . "We have lost approximately half of our topsoil in the last forty years. Aquifers are being drained at a rate far exceeding nature's capacity to recharge them and both ground and surface water is being contaminated. The loss of wildlife has been significant. Predator/prey relationships have been disturbed. Insects beneficial to farmers are destroyed along with target insects, increasing the problems of pest control. And the evolution of weed and insect species resistant to pesticides have further complicated pest control management."(Kirschenmann, 1994)

Another interesting factor that must be taken into consideration is the social and community loss. In economic terms, the external costs of production. As small farms disappear, so do the businesses that supply their resources. Feed stores, tractor dealers, hardware stores, just a few local businesses that are intertwined with agriculture. This loss has a direct effect on the communities' economy. As farms close, and communities struggle economically, the entire character of the land may change. Loss of agricultural land has been growing for quite some time. Farmland is turned into houses and prime agricultural land along with open spaces as lost for good.

Farming In Vermont

As of 1999 there were 6,700 total farms in Vermont (including dairy farms). Of these farms, 1,783 were dairy farms. The average size of these farms was around 200 acres. In 2001 this number dropped to 6,600 farms with an average size of 203 acres (New England Agricultural Statistics, 2001). A loss of 100 farms in one year is quite a staggering figure for a small state. This is not only a result of state economic pressures, but many national issues have contributed. The growth of factory farms has affected many aspects of the agricultural industry. As these large producers offer lower prices for crops, the small farmer is left to compete with these prices. Many times the market saturation of large producers and issues surrounding distribution, make competition almost impossible.

We are fortunate here in Vermont in many ways. Due to our rural structure, many farmers have the ability to offer their products to the public through farm stands and markets along with distribution to co-ops and wholesalers. Our tourism industry brings many people from urban areas that are delighted to purchase fresh products. Most of our residents also understand the importance of our farmers and purchase their goods directly. By keeping our dollars local, we support our communities in many ways. Vermont, being a small state hopefully will be able to protect our agricultural landscape. We are nearing a point in which our decisions may drastically alter the way that Vermont is and has been for generations. The decision is ours, and our children's future depends on us.

Figure 2. (Census of Agriculture, 1997)

Figure 3 helps demonstrate the shape of agricultural returns to our farmers. As seen in the graph, the dairy industry provides a major source of revenue to our farmers. Dairy farms account for 1,783 of the 6,700 operating farms in Vermont during 1999. Holding 74% of cash receipts to farmers is quite a large amount. Many of these farms remain small, under 200 head herds. The average herd size for Vermont in 1998 was around 175 head (USDA, 2002). Our small farmers are having an increasingly difficult time competing with large-scale producers. With the expiration of the Northeast Dairy Compact, there is no longer a minimum base price for milk. Farmers are left vulnerable to price fluctuations which have been far below a operating average. In many cases, it costs farmers more to produce milk than the revenues returned from the sale of milk. This is a direct economic result of supply and demand. Large, Midwestern states are producing large amounts of milk, creating an excess of supply and driving down prices.

Figure 3.(New England Agricultural Statistics, 2001)

In Conclusion

Methods of sustainable agriculture can prove to be economically feasible while protecting our environment and producing quality goods. Our rural communities are the backbone of our society. The support and involvement of agriculture not only connects one with the land, but also allows insight to the natural process of life. By supporting local farmers, you keep your dollars, helping the entire community. Factory forms of agriculture have been detrimental to our society in many aspects. Granted, these methods produce large amounts of food, we can meet our needs by producing sustainably as well. Sustainable methods cut down runoff pollution into our streams and waterways. They reduce the amount of pesticide residue in our foods and soils as well as our waters. These methods can also provide a profitable farm while protecting the landscape for generations to come. By purchasing local goods, we support our communities and boost our economy. Remember, everyone specializes in something, by working together we can accomplish a lot. For example, I trade the products that I make to other farmers and friends for items such as syrup and meat. At the same time, I am also more inclined to support an establishment that uses local vegetables or that sells products I produce. There is an interworking system that we are all involved in, by working with each other we can not only prosper together, but we can live a sustainable lifestyle. Protecting our environment and open spaces while utilizing the land to produce high quality, natural products.

This page will continue to be updated and additional information may be viewed at http://www.geocities.com/farmvermont/index.html

Take Action Now

View a pre-written letter to Congressman Bernard Sanders (VT-I) in support of the formation of legislation to support sustainable agriculture in the Northeast.

View a pre-written letter to Secretary of The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ann M. Vaneman for the continued support of the federal government toward small farms.

View many sources of additional information on the Link Page:

Purchase local produce at farm stands near your home or while traveling.

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