Farming For the Future
We believe that achieving a sustainable food producing network is critical to an abundant and healthy food supply for generations to come. While many Wisconsin farms boast being part of a rich and diverse yet sustainable farm community, they make up a minority of agricultural operations in our state.
Many Madison restaurants want access to healthy, delicious, affordable local food, grown responsibly. But, Madison is in the state’s minority. To achieve a strong sustainable local network of farming communities, we first must understand what sustainability is.
Sustainable Farming Defined
In this farmer’s opinion, sustainable farming is to produce agricultural products in a way that:
- Is environmentally friendly to the farm, to the community and beyond
- Improves the lives of the farmers working it, the communities supporting it and the population that enjoys it
- Is mindful of the health and well-being of the farm animals
- Recognizes that it’s part of a larger sustainable food producing network
Sustainable food distribution systems rely on local or regional networks of sustainable farms. Products are sold directly to consumers through farmers’ markets, local grocers, farm shares and co-ops. Food is also sold directly to restaurants, food services, and food hubs.
Sustainability Best Practices
- Protect their waterways from runoff and erosion
- Care for their animals
- Raise food without harmful chemicals
- Use regenerative farming techniques: such as crop or livestock rotation
- Composting
- Are open to other ways that farmers can maintain a sustainable, pesticide-free environment on their farms
Sustainably operating a farm means investing in practices and policies to preserve and restore farmland for the use, education, and enjoyment of future generations.
Farming for the Future