Sustainability. It’s a topic everyone is talking about — from media outlets to policymakers to concerned grocery store customers. When it comes to agriculture, people want to know that the foods they’re purchasing and consuming are raised in a sustainable manner. However, it begs the question: what is “sustainability?”
The tricky thing with sustainability conversations is everyone has their own subjective definition. At the Animal Agriculture Alliance, we define it as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This definition encompasses more than simply taking care of the environment. It also includes ensuring farming and ranching is economically viable while balancing social responsibility.