Agriculture is an essential human activity that produces food and fiber.  Its use of and impacts on land, water, energy, and other resources warrant it as a high priority so that we strive for an balanced relationship between our agricultural needs and the environment.

The Sierra Club maintains the following Goals for agriculture:

1. Protects land, soil, and water resources and maintains their long-term productivity.
2. Conserves wilderness and other natural land and aquatic ecosystems.
3. Protects genetic diversity.
4. Reduces energy and materials input per unit of production.
5. Minimizes dependence on manufactured chemicals (fertilizer and pesticides).
6. Promotes innovative techniques, such as low-energy, labor-intensive technologies; solar energy for crop drying; crop, livestock and sewage waste usage; minimum tillage; and agricultural training for urban residents.
7. Meets the essential nutritional needs of a balanced world population.
8. Promotes long-term, stable associations of those who raise crops with the lands upon which their livelihood is based.

For the complete Sierra Club Agriculture Conservation policy, visit: http://sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/agriculture.aspx

Sangre de Cristo Group Sustainable Ag Task Force

With the guidance of the national Sierra Club agriculture policy, we in the Sangre de Cristo Group have charged ourselves with the task of promoting sustainable agriculture because so much of the land within Sangre de Cristo Group area is devoted to agriculture. Those employed in ranching and farming as well as conservationists in this area are acutely aware of the challenges faced in this semi-arid environment to produce food in an environmentally sustainable way.  It is our goal to educate consumers in our area as well as collaborate with agricultural organizations to introduce cutting-edge methods that promote a sustainable future for food production.

Watch our website for upcoming events as well as new articles that address responsible food production.

Farmers Markets - How to choose environmentally sustainable local food

1. Ideally, seek out farmers markets that focus on offering organic produce, meats, and eggs.
2. Make certain the foods are from Colorado. (Many farmers markets resell out of state produce).
3. Ask farmers what methods they use to combat pests.  Certified Organic, Certified Naturally Grown, Integrated Pest Management, and petro-chemical-free methods are best. (Often if you just ask if the vegetables are organic, some farmers will stretch the truth.)
4. For meat and egg producers, ask how their animals are raised.  Unconfined, free-roaming animals are the best. Be certain you aren’t supporting a confined animal feeding operation.
5. Find out what the meat animals and chickens are fed. Depending on what is available and your preference, grass-finished beef, grass-finished lamb, pasture-raised pigs and chickens are best that are not fed GMO feeds (corn and soy).
6. Do your own certification! Visit the farms you are buying from to see first-hand their methods of production.
7. Take a look at: http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NAT_FarmersMarket&autologin=true