What does sustainable mean?

A few days ago I was reading the website of a local farm and on it they claimed to be sustainable, but they disclosed that did use chemicals when necessary. Well I thought "that's not sustainable, you can't call yourself sustainable when it's convenient". Or can you? It seems the word sustainable has turned into just another buzzword, and unlike the word "organic" in terms of labeling, "sustainable" is not regulated. So I got to thinking "what does sustainable agriculture mean exactly?". Perhaps this farm is sustainable, maybe by definition a farm can be sustainable and still practice conventional methods of farming using whatever chemicals they deem necessary. So I googled "What is Sustainable Agriculture" and found varying, but similar interpretations. I'll share a little bit of what I discovered it to mean.

As found in the farm bill, Congress defines sustainable agriculture as “… an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term—(A) satisfy human food and fiber needs; (B) enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; (C) make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; (D) sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and (E) enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

America.gov's explanation of sustainable agriculture refers to farming methods that conserve the environment by minimizing damage to soil, water sources, species habitat and other natural resources. Examples include no-till farming, crop rotation, and prevention of runoff or leaching of fertilizers and pesticides.

The principle of sustainable agriculture is explained on the ATTRA website as one that produces abundant food without depleting the earth’s resources or polluting its environment. It is agriculture that follows the principles of nature to develop systems for raising crops and livestock that are, like nature, self-sustaining. Sustainable agriculture is also the agriculture of social values, one whose success is indistinguishable from vibrant rural communities, rich lives for families on the farms, and wholesome food for everyone.

So, while I'm reticent to say it, my conclusion is that yes, by definition a farm can be sustainable and use chemicals if necessary. My heart says "That's a bummer", but my head understands. Farmers who integrate conventional with ecological is better than straight conventional. So how do we know if we're getting clean food? As consumers we have to ask questions and not make assumptions that just because someone is a local farmer or someone is selling at a farmer's market they practice safe and responsible farming. I believe as consumers the more informed we are, the smarter our decisions can be.

On the lighter side of things!!!!

We tried an early fruiting variety of strawberries this year. They're in and they taste great. The plants fruited earlier than we would ideally want. We have lots of strawberries now and the farmers markets don't start for a few more weeks. Oh how tragic, I guess I'll have to eat them all myself!
Fear not CSA members, we still have plenty of the later fruiting varieties. They'll be ready in a few weeks.
delightful!