Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture manages food and agricultural production so present needs are met without compromising the environmental, social, and economic foundations needed by future generations. It combines viable production and livelihoods with resource efficiency, conservation of land, water and biodiversity, resilience to shocks, social equity, and responsible governance across relevant scales.
In simple terms
Sustainability is an outcome pursued across interconnected dimensions, not one prescribed farming technique. FAO's framing includes improving resource efficiency, conserving and enhancing natural resources, protecting livelihoods and social well-being, strengthening resilience, and adapting governance. Trade-offs can occur across farms, landscapes, supply chains, and time. A credible assessment therefore considers productivity and profitability alongside environmental condition, decent livelihoods, food security, equity, and the ability to withstand shocks.
Why it matters
Agriculture must provide food and livelihoods while depending on finite land, water, climate stability, and biodiversity. Unsustainable production can undermine the resource base and communities that future production requires. Regenerative agriculture can inform farm practices, while a water footprint can inform the assessment, but no practice or single metric proves the whole system is sustainable. A multidimensional definition prevents a narrow improvement in yield, emissions, or input use from being treated as proof that the whole system is sustainable.
Example
For example, a regional programme may improve irrigation efficiency, protect riparian habitat, diversify crops, reduce harmful inputs, strengthen worker protections, and support farm profitability. Its evaluation would examine whether combined outcomes remain viable under drought and market shocks, including effects beyond participating farms.
How it differs
Regenerative agriculture
Sustainable agriculture balances long-term environmental, social, and economic viability; regenerative agriculture more specifically emphasizes restoring or improving the condition of working lands.