Since the 1960s, the world's population has more than doubled and agricultural production per person has increased by a third. Yet this growth in production has masked enormous hidden costs arising from widespread pesticide use - massive ecological damage and high incidences of farmer poisoning and chronic health effects. Whereas once the risks involved with pesticide use were judged to be outweighed by the potential benefits, increasingly the external costs of pesticides, to environments and human health, are being seen as unacceptable. In response to this trend, recent years have seen millions of farmers in communities around the world reduce their use of harmful pesticides and develop cheaper and safer alternatives. The Pesticide Detox explores the potential for the phasing-out of hazardous pesticides and the phasing-in of cost effective alternatives already available on the market. This book makes clear that it is time to start the pesticide detox and to move towards a more sustainable agriculture.

In the last 20 years, there has been a remarkable emergence of innovations and technological advances that are generating promising changes and opportunities for sustainable agriculture, yet at the same time the agricultural sector worldwide faces numerous daunting challenges. Not only is the agricultural sector expected to produce adequate food, fiber, and feed, and contribute to biofuels to meet the needs of a rising global population, it is expected to do so under increasingly scarce natural resources and climate change. Growing awareness of the unintended impacts associated with some agricultural production practices has led to heightened societal expectations for improved environmental, community, labor, and animal welfare standards in agriculture. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century assesses the scientific evidence for the strengths and weaknesses of different production, marketing, and policy approaches for improving and reducing the costs and unintended consequences of agricultural production. It discusses the principles underlying farming systems and practices that could improve the sustainability. It also explores how those lessons learned could be applied to agriculture in different regional and international settings, with an emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on a systems approach to improving the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, this book can have a profound impact on the development and implementation of sustainable farming systems. Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century serves as a valuable resource for policy makers, farmers, experts in food production and agribusiness, and federal regulatory agencies.

Our nation's grandest enterprise is our agricultural industry. It is second to none in terms of assets, workers, and exports. Agricultural success has be come an accepted fact and is taken for granted by the majority of the American public. Few believe or are even willing to consider that the con tinued future success of this industry is threatened. Yet threatened it is. The resource base of agriculture is becoming dimin ished through overuse and environmental misuse. A further complication is the competition for agricultural resources by other users. The energy, soil, and water resources cannot sustain agriculture into the far future at their present rate of use. Something must be done to bring about public awareness and support for the changes needed to move our nation toward a sustainable agriculture. More research and funding must be directed toward this end. Our agriculture educators and other information disseminators must make sure that the farmers, politicians, and the public receive the message. Farmers must be willing to make the necessary changes. Something is being done. Our agricultural system is in a transitional stage. Traditional agriculturists are changing some practices and their attitudes.

*Harvesting the Future A Guide to Sustainable Food Systems* Imagine a world where the food we eat is not only delicious and nutritious but also cultivated in a way that enriches the earth. "Harvesting the Future" is a compelling exploration and essential guide for anyone interested in the sustainability of our food systems. This eBook serves as a blueprint for revolutionizing the way we grow, distribute, and consume our sustenance. As you embark on this enlightening journey in Chapter 1, you'll grasp the urgency of shifting to sustainable food practices, understanding the environmental implications of traditional agriculture, and the transformative power of sustainable methods. You'll discover that there is a way to bridge the gap between industrial and sustainable agriculture that benefits both our health and our planet. Progressing further, you delve into the principles of sustainable farming, where traditional knowledge meets modern innovation in Chapter 2. Unearth the secrets of nature's blueprint for sustainability, and weigh the merits of organic versus conventional farming, understanding the intricacies of designing ecosystems that thrive. The soil beneath our feet holds the keys to productivity. Chapter 3 will educate you on the living, breathing entity that is soil and reveal techniques to enhance its fertility. From composting to regenerative agriculture, learn how soil health is the foundation of a flourishing farm. Water—the lifeline of agriculture and focus of Chapter 4—is pivotal to survival. This section will guide you through harvesting rainwater, efficient irrigation systems, and strategies to protect vital water resources. Dive into the genetic treasury of crops in Chapter 5. Discover how diversity is essential for resilience within agricultural systems, and why the Seed Saving Movement is crucial for the survival of our agricultural heritage. Chapter 6 examines Integrated Pest Management, redefining pest control with sustainable tactics, and exploring the natural balance within ecosystems. Techniques such as crop rotation and the use of beneficial insects are presented as part of a comprehensive IPM strategy. Local food movements and the reconnection to what we consume are celebrated in Chapter 7. Follow this trend from Community-Supported Agriculture to urban farming initiatives, rekindling the age-old farm-to-table philosophy. Chapters 8 through 17 continue to cultivate knowledge and passion, covering a breadth of subjects from sustainable livestock management to innovative farming techniques, as well as the wide-reaching effects of climate change on agriculture. The narrative delves into the economic viability of going green, the importance of education and community outreach, and the vital role of policy and legislation that frame our sustainable future. Closing with a heartfelt call to action, Chapter 17 leaves readers with a vision that is equally insightful and inspiring. An invitation is extended to partake in this global shift towards a more resilient and ethical food system, empowering individuals to become agents of change. "Harvesting the Future" is not just a book; it's a manifesto, illuminating a path to collective transformation. For thinkers, dreamers, and doers alike, this eBook promises to be both a source of hope and a roadmap to a thriving, sustainable world where every meal is a step toward a brighter future for all. Join the movement, nourish your mind and empower your actions with "Harvesting the Future".

Understanding the effects of both climate change and green growth policies on jobs and people is thus essential for making the transition in Southeast Asia an inclusive one. The study explores these issues, with emphasis on the potential effects on labour of an energy transition in Indonesia, and of a transition in the region’s agricultural sector, illustrated by a simulated conversion from conventional to organic rice farming.

Based on the research of an interdisciplinary team of sociologists, geographers and economists, this book focuses on understanding farming transitions in Europe. The book discusses the importance of understanding transition pathways towards sustainability using case studies from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Assessing the utility of the multi-level perspective in transition theory for addressing contemporary issues, the book identifies future research needs and possible approaches, making this an essential read for researchers interested in issues of rural and agricultural change.

The papers published in this Special Issue “WP3—Innovation in Agriculture and Forestry Sector for Energetic Sustainability” bring together some of the latest research results in the field of biomass valorization and the process of energy production and climate change and other areas relevant to energetic sustainability [1–20]. Moreover, several works address the very important topic of evaluating the safety aspects for energy plant use [21–24]. Responses to our call generated the following statistics:• Submissions (21);• Publications (15);• Rejections (6);• Article types: research articles (13), reviews (2). Of the submitted papers, 15 have been successfully published as articles. Reviewing and selecting the papers for this Special Issue was very inspiring and rewarding. We also thank the editorial staff and reviewers for their efforts and help during the process. For better comprehension, the contributions to this Special Issue are divided into sections, as follows.