Health
Health is the most vital factor for living systems. It is important that every living being should retain physical, mental, social, and ecological well-being. The role of sustainable agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms, starting from the smallest in the soil to the ultimate consumer.
Ecology
The main motto of this principle is “that production is to be based on ecological processes and recycling.” Sustainable agriculture should accomplish ecological balance through the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats, and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity. People who produce, process, trade, or consume sustainable products should protect and benefit the common environment, including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air, and water.
Fairness
This principle emphasizes that sustainable production, processing, and distribution should be based on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities, which is characterized by equity, respect, justice, and stewardship of the shared world, both among people and in their relations to other living beings.
Care
Practitioners of sustainable production and distribution can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development, and technology choices in sustainable agriculture.
