Organic farming, the free range movement, animal welfare and animal rights, the Slow Food movement, the drive to conserve more water and resources in food production, and other related issues of how and where food is produced and how it gets to the consumers — all of these can be summed up under the general term, “sustainable agriculture.” According to advocates of sustainable agriculture and sustainable development in general, organic farming and the consumption of organic food are important choices that both producers and consumers of food can make to help conserve essential resources, nurture the soil, protect animals, and ensure better food health and safety standards.

Sustainable agriculture should not be confused with some reactionary “let’s go back to before the industrial revolution” mentality. Organic farming advocates argue that this is a false dichotomy. Organic farmers, free range farmers, and others who practice and support sustainable agriculture do utilize top-notch technologies and methods, but they do so in a more environmentally-friendly and ethically and socially conscious manner, taking into consideration the needs of themselves, their consumers, the soil, their livestock, and the environment in general.

The Slow Food Movement is another consumer-centered movement which is part of the greater move towards sustainable agriculture. In contrast with fast food that is so common in modern industrial societies, slow food advocates argue for the benefits of using wholesome organic vegetables and fruits, free range meat and other animal products, and similar sustainable food in making traditional, slow-cooked dishes that are healthier, more fulfilling, and are typical of traditional and ethnic cuisines as well.

Today’s trends show a huge surge in both awareness of and demand for organic food, the expansion of organic farming, and sustainable agriculture in general. This can be seen in many parts of the world, such as China’s fast-growing organic export production, as well as increased monitoring and regulation of organic products by U.S. and EU governments.