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Sustainable Agriculture: A Question of Ecology, Economics, Ethics or Expedience?

Author

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  • Pannell, David J.
  • Schilizzi, Steven

Abstract

Sustainability is the paradigm of our time, yet its use as a guide to planning or decision making is clouded by its ambiguity and the multiplicity of definitions in use. In this paper we address the issue of how best to deal with the multi-faceted nature of sustainability. We outline each of the facets of sustainability which have been discussed in literature, but suggest that most of them boil down to three basic concepts: environmental stability, intergenerational equity and economic efficiency. The definitions of sustainability in use represent different different combinations of these three basic concepts. Nevertheless it remains difficult to link the concept to practical actions and decisions. We argue that a multiple criteria decision making approach is the best solution to this problem. This is consistent with the use of "sustainability indicators", but such indicators need to be selected carefully to be relevant to the essential elements of sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Pannell, David J. & Schilizzi, Steven, 1997. "Sustainable Agriculture: A Question of Ecology, Economics, Ethics or Expedience?," 1997 Conference (41st), January 22-24, 1997, Gold Coast, Australia 136500, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aare97:136500
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.136500
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    Cited by:

    1. Paul Webster, 1999. "The Challenge of Sustainability at the Farm Level: Presidential Address," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(3), pages 371-387, September.

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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy;

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