Energetics and ecosystem integrity: The defining principles of sustainable agriculture

In this paper, we criticize recent definitions of sustainable agriculture as being overly based on short-term economic criteria, rather than long-term ecological criteria. A concise definition of sustainable agriculture is put forth, premised on the assumption that the ecological parameters of energetics and ecosystem integrity ultimately determine the long-term viability of farming systems. We share with others the view that, in designing sustainable farming systems, a broad array of social and economic factors should be taken into consideration. We believe, however, that these factors are not intrinsic to a sustainable agriculture, but rather separate, desirable goals.