Sustainable agriculture produces healthy food and income, while providing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. We focus on small farms, the backbone of the nation, and particularly agriculture that pertains to Southern Appalachia. Ecological agriculture is based on principles in nature, but practices differ, depending on bioregions. The mountains are a stronghold of small farms due to steep slopes and forested land. Agroforestry practices maintain trees on hillsides and pastures help hold the soil.

Many small farms have a diversity of enterprises, including grazing livestock on pastures with trees, raising swine in the woods, woodland medicinals and other nontimber forest products, bramble fruits, and greenhouses for specialty crops. Woodlands are ideal settings for swine production due to the shade, and mast from the trees (acorns, beech nuts, black walnuts, hickory nuts, mulberries). In the past, the American chestnut provided an important food source. Swine can be a key part of ecological agriculture and cycle nutrients. They also provide food security and high-quality protein. Trees and perennial crops do not require annual tillage, which means less disturbance to the soil and more ecological resilience. Creating biochar with fallen branches and old wood can sequester carbon.

Good business planning practices are key to earning a net profit on small farms. It is particularly important to develop markets and tell your story. Small farmers add value to crops such as processing meat, making tinctures, dehydrating or fermenting vegetables can increase income. Local markets are often used for selling these products, including direct-to-consumer markets, such as farmers markets and local restaurants. Agritourism can help increase markets, and many farmers educte the public about local food and sustainability. The Appalachian mountains are a beautiful natural area and a tourist destination.

Strong communities are also a feature of mountain culture. Local food systems bring producers and consumers together, and people form relationships and learn from each other. Urban agriculture and community gardens also expand learning.

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