• Provides comprehensive coverage of the theory and practice of transforming agricultural sites into more environmentally sound operations
• Details the steps involved in the conversion process
• Explains the process of monitoring the change toward sustainable agriculture
• Presents case studies of successful agroecosystem conversions from across the globe
• Integrates social and economic analysis within the scientific practices

With all of the environmental and social problems confronting our food systems today, it is apparent that none of the strategies we have relied on in the past?higher-yielding varieties, increased irrigation, inorganic fertilizers, pest damage reduction?can be counted on to come to the rescue. In fact, these solutions are now part of the problem. It is becoming quite clear that the only way to keep the food crisis from escalating is to promote the conversion processes that will move agriculture to sustainability.

Under the editorial guidance of agroecology experts Martha Rosemeyer and the internationally renowned Dr. Stephen R. Gliessman, The Conversion to Sustainable Agriculture: Principles, Processes, and Practices establishes a framework for how this conversion can be accomplished and presents case studies from around the world that illustrate how the process is already underway. The book provides a four-stage transition process for achieving sustainability and an in-depth analysis of the global efforts to make farms more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

An international team of chapter contributors explores ways to lessen dependency on fossil fuels and pesticides, and examines each step in the conversion process. They also describe the process of monitoring change toward sustainable agriculture while integrating social and economic analysis within scientific practices. Serving as both a core textbook for students and a comprehensive reference for agricultural practitioners, this volume is a valuable resource for the change that is needed in our food system now and in the future.

BASIC PRINCIPLES

The Framework for Conversion
Stephen R. Gliessman

What Do We Know about the Conversion Process? Yields, Economics, Ecological Processes, and Social Issues
Martha E. Rosemeyer

The History of Organic Agriculture
Rachael J. Jamison and John H. Perkins

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Northern Midwest (U.S.): Farmers’ Views of the Conversion Process
Paul Porter, Lori Scott, and Steve Simmons

Pacific Northwest (U.S.): Diverse Movements toward Sustainability Amid a Variety of Challenges
Carol Miles, David Granatstein, David Huggins, Steve Jones, and James Myers

California (U.S.): The Conversion of Strawberry Production
Stephen R. Gliessman and Joji Muramoto

Ontario, Canada: Lessons in Sustainability from Organic Farmers
E. Ann Clark and Jennifer Sumner

Mexico: Perspectives on Organic Production
María del Rocío Romero Lima

Mexico: Traditional Agriculture as a Foundation for Sustainability
Alba González Jácome

Cuba: A National-Level Experiment in Conversion
Fernando R. Funes-Monzote

The European Union: Key Roles for Institutional Support and Economic Factors
Gloria I. Guzmán and Antonio M. Alonso

Japan: Finding Opportunities in the Current Crisis
Joji Muramoto, Kazumasa Hidaka, and Takuya Mineta

The Middle East: Adapting Food Production to Local Biophysical Realities
Alireza Koocheki

Australia: Farmers Responding to the Need for Conversion
David Dumaresq and Saan Ecker

THE WAY FORWARD

Transforming the Global Food System
Stephen R. Gliessman