Sustainable Rural Systems: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Communities

In a neo-liberal era where society is demanding mass-produced, cheap foods and living standards are based on high consumption of non-renewable energy and materials, this book examines how sustainability in rural areas can be measured. Drawing on a wide range of topical case studies from across the UK and Canada, it provides an in-depth analysis of the progress made so far towards sustainability within rural systems, focussing specifically upon sustainable agriculture and sustainable rural communities.First of all, providing an overview of the various systems of sustainability currently being applied in the developed world, it then highlights key environmental, economic and social issues, including 'aternative' food networks, organic farming, GM foods, conservation, rural development programmes, sustainable tourism, local training schemes and community participation.In concludes by drawing together important multi-faceted lessons and suggests the most positive directions for future policy practice.