Environmental Stewardship
AGRICULTURE
&
Caring for the Earth
Every Day of Every Year
GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office
To accompany Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson
July 2002
G L O B A L
AWARENESS
Global
Warming
Toxic Waste
Pollution
The Environment &
AGRICULTURE
Those in agriculture
have more invested in
Earth’s resources than
any other industry in the
world.
Relying on
the Land &
Water
Protecting
their Future
Preserving Our Future
AGRICULTURE
F e e d Conserve
I n g T h e WSoil
orld
Protect Water
Reduce Chemicals
Protect Wildlife
Stewards Of
THE LAND
Today’s farmers are truly stewards of the land and
demonstrate this by adopting more environmentally
sound methods of farming that reduce the risks
involved with planting and harvesting the world’s food
and fiber.
E N V I R O N M E NTAL
HAZ ARDS
WILDLIFE
ENDANGERMENT
WATER
CONTAMINATION
SOIL EROSION
INEFFICIENT
CHEMICAL USE
1
Environmental
SOLUTIONS
Biotechnology
Land Conservation
Decreased Soil Erosion
Improve Water Quality
Efficient Chemical Use
2
IPM
(Integrated Pest Management)
Environmental
Preserving the Land
SOLUTIONS
Efficient Pest Control
Improving Soil
Milder Chemicals
Biological Integrity
3
Global Positioning
Environmental
SOLUTIONS
Satellite
Variable-Rate Fertilizer
Variable-Rate Spraying
Targets Inputs
Improves Efficiency
Sustains the Land
Environmental
SOLUTIONS
4
Sustainable
Farming
Preserves the Land for
the Future
Identifies Potential
Environmental Hazards
Promotes Environmental
Accountability
SUSTAINABLE
FARMING METHODS
Conservation Tillage
Improves Soil Quality and
Productivity
Conservation Buffers
Reduces Runoff, Protects Water
Cover Crops
Reduces Soil Erosion
Wildlife Refuge
Provides food & shelter for native wildlife
Preserving Our Future
 31.4 million acres of farmland in government
conservation programs
 Farmers to install 2 million miles of conservation
buffers
 109 million acres of cropland using reduced
tilling methods
 90% reduction in soil erosion
 Farmers provide food & habitat for 75% of nation’s
wildlife
 Today’s farmer feeds 129 people, as compared to
25 people in 1960
A Farmer's
Environmental
Creed
As a producer of food and fiber,
I pledge to:
• Conserve and improve our soil resources,
leaving the land I farm productive and in good
health for the benefit of future generations.
• Protect the quality and supply of our water
resources, always mindful of those who live
down stream.
• Respect the diversity of nature and recognize
my responsibility to provide habitat for animals
and native plants whenever possible.
• Responsibly use fertilizers, crop protection
and animal health products, never using more
than needed and always applying with care.
• Help others in my community protect natural
resources on their own farms.
E A R T H
F RI E N D L Y
AGRICULTURE
 Agriculture has more invested in Earth’s
resources than any other industry in the
world.
 New technology allows farmers to
conserve the soil, protect water, reduce
chemical use and protect wildlife.
 Agriculture commemorates the Earth and
its resources every day of the year
Environmental Stewardship
&
AGRICULTURE
Caring for the Earth
Every Day of Every Year
Everyone must get involved!
• Stewardship isn’t just for farmers
– City and suburban workers & residents
must act as stewards too.