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The role of sustainable agriculture in improving the safety and quality of the food supply

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Katherine L. Clancy
Katherine L. Clancy
Affiliation:
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, College for Human Development, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13210.
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Abstract

Agricultural and health policies are not integrated in the U.S. despite their obvious similarities and linkages. Sustainable agriculture can undoubtedly play an important role in joining the two sectors; however, before this can occur research is needed to answer questions in many areas. Some consumer concerns regarding the safety of the food supply can be abated through the use of sustainable practices in food production and processing which can lessen exposure to toxic contaminants and conserve resources. Among the farming issues considered here are pesticide toxicities and their synergistic interactions, yields, storability, nutrient quality, nitrates, mycotoxins, and antibiotics used in meat production. The manipulation of commodities during processing is also addressed, including the intense refining of grains, fortification and vitamin supplementation, imitation food, and food additives. Analogies between production and processing operations are drawn and specific research needs identified.

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Articles
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 1 , Issue 1 , Winter 1986 , pp. 11 - 18
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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