Attitudes and Practices of Sustainable Farmers, with Applications to Designing a Sustainable Agriculture Extension Program

Abstract

This report summarizes the attitudes and cultural practices of 398 self-described sustainable farmers from 17 states in 1991 and 1992. A large majority of the surveyed grain farmers and vegetable farmers have reduced their use of inorganic fertilizers and herbicides or do not use these chemicals. Many of these producers state that their long term farm goals include the complete elimination of inorganic fertilizers and herbicides. After the transition to sustainable agriculture, a majority of the grain farmers thought that their yields had increased or remained the same. Principles and approaches consistent with an effective extension program to specifically meet the needs of these sustainable farmers are identified.