Title: An analysis of some paradoxes in alternative agriculture and a vision of sustainability for future food systems

Authors: Inno Onwueme, Bruno Borsari, Walter Leal Filho

Addresses: College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897, USA. ' Department of Biology, 215 Pasteur Hall, Winona State University, Winona, MN 55987, USA. ' TuTech Innovation, Harburger Schlossstrasse 6-12, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany

Abstract: The paper offers an analysis of some of the prevailing practices in sustainable agriculture and points out some of the paradoxes that need to be addressed and resolved in order to enhance acceptability of sustainable agriculture by the general public. Education and research in sustainable agriculture are suggested as possible tools via which solutions to the paradoxes may be found. Preserving the homeostasis of agroecosystems constitutes the ultimate goal of a sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: agroecosystems; education; food systems; organic farming; research; sustainable agriculture; ecosystems; alternative agriculture; sustainable development; sustainability.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2008.018325

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2008 Vol.7 No.3, pp.199 - 210

Published online: 15 May 2008 *

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