ARS | Publication request: Development of 'Principles of Integrated Agricultural Systems': The use of farmer panels

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 2009
Publication Date: August 23, 2009
Citation: Hendrickson, J.R., Hanson, J.D., Sassenrath, G.F., Archer, D.W., Halloran, J.M. 2009. Development of 'Principles of Integrated Agricultural Systems': The use of farmer panels. Meeting Abstract.

Technical Abstract: Agriculture has made significant strides in meeting the food and fiber needs of a growing population. But, agricultural systems are increasingly specialized, which may leave them unable to compensate in an environment that no longer values productivity above other attributes. Integrating agricultural systems may be a way to maintain or enhance productivity while maintaining needed flexibility to meet multiple food, fiber, fuel, and environmental goals. Development of integrated agricultural systems has been hampered by a lack of understanding of their basic principles or concepts. A working group, established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, is investigating different agricultural systems in various geographic regions of the United States to determine the fundamental principles that underlie integrated agricultural systems in these geographic regions. This working group submits set questions to selected producer panels from major agricultural systems in each geographic region. The panel’s responses to these questions are given to the working group in an informal setting and the working group has the opportunity to clarify or expand their responses. This working group has identified drivers that shape agricultural systems in the United States and has held workshops in the Southeastern and Northeastern regions of the United States. The working group will continue until the major agricultural regions of the U.S. are covered.