Sustainable agriculture I: Concepts

Abstract

Sustainable development is nowadays the ruling paradigm in development planning. Given the importance of farming in providing food, fibre and shelter for the human population, no other industry has a greater role to play regarding to sustainable development. However, establishing definitions and operational methodologies that can enable their application in the decision-making process reveals to be a very difficult task, and became exposed a clear need for deepening these concepts.

This work aims to address issues related to the sustainability concept, in general, and sustainable agriculture, in particular, highlighting the latest developments and applications.

By the critical review of the concepts is noted the existence of many different settings with similarly assumptions and dimensions, the conclusion is that concepts are dynamic and are still under construction.