Page 15 - BOOK OF PROGRAM ICAGRI 2

Abstract Keynote-1

SUSTAINABLE FARMING
George Papadakis
Agricultural University of Athens, Dept. Natural Resources and Agricultural
Engineering
Iera Odos 75, Athens 11855, Greece
Email: gpap@aua.gr

Abstract
Our environment has become an area of concern over the last few decades.
Current farming methodologies used are unsustainable and have a huge
impact on the overall ecology and biodiversity, as well as they are impacting
human and animal health. There are many examples of unsustainable
techniques used in modern agriculture, such as: Use of chemicals and
manufactured fertilizers; Growing genetically modified crops; Growing
monoculture crops; Overproduction and food waste; Investment in global
agriculture corporations rather than local farmers; Natural vegetation
clearing; Raising animals and plants separately instead of in a carefully
managed agricultural system; Wasting water and use of non-renewable
sources of energy.

It is clear that the farming industry needs to update and change its methods
to become more sustainable. Sustainable farming or sustainable agriculture
is using farming practices that consider the ecological cycles. It is sensitive
towards the microorganisms and their impacts on the wider environment.
Sustainable farming is farming ecologically by promoting methods and
practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound and protect
public health. It simply means the production of food, plants and animal
products using farming techniques that prove to be beneficial for public
health and promote economic profitability.

The benefits of sustainable farming are analysed such as: Environmental
Preservation; Economic Profitability; Efficient use of non-renewable
resources; Protection of public health and Social and economic equity.

Next, important sustainable farming methodologies and technologies are
presented such as: Use of renewable energy sources; Use of new farming
technologies (precision agriculture); Integrated pest management; Crop
rotation; Polyculture farming; Urban farming.
Also, some aspects of the European Union GREEN DEAL are considered with
regard to sustainable farming.

Finally some thoughts are presented on how individuals can impact farming
practices.

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Agriculture Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala. All Rights Reserved