Sustainability is not some far-out pipe-dream of the idle, but is
widely accepted as a realistic goal toward which to work. I would
suggest that only people without children could have no concern about
the future and the world we are leaving for them. I only hope that any
such folks can learn compassion and support the effort to transform
agriculture. It must be observed, however, that agriculture is driven
by both the producers and the customers. Producers seek to create a
demand for their merchandise by making it attractive and affordable
while customers help shape the variety of items available through
their expectations and demands.

In terms of beekeeping, large scale pollination is one of the things
the bee industry has taken on as a means of earning a livelihood as
honey prices have sagged. As a country, we can support their efforts
and try to create a wider awareness of what they do. As beekeepers, we
can counter the ill-conceived attempts to portray beekeepers as some
sort of slave-drivers who are bringing on the demise of their faithful
herds. I submit that nobody wants a healthy bee population more than
we do. Rather than trying to fix blame somewhere, we should
concentrate on finding out what really works.

> 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.

> 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.

http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

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