Although sustainable agriculture has existed as a research and advocacy position since the late 1970s, its formal inclusion in the University of California agricultural research and extension system didn't take place until 1986when the California Legislature requested the formation of SAREP, the first system wide sustainable agriculture program at any land grant institution. Twelve years later, sustainable agriculture is a widespread goal statement of agricultural research and education. Close to 100 land grant and other U.S. colleges and universities now have sustainable agriculture programs. A common definition has emerged of the concept that addresses the present and future economic, ecological and social viability of agriculture and food systems. Although advocates and investigators may weigh the importance of economic, ecological, and social elements differently, a significant number expect the tools of scientific inquiry to support sustainable agriculture. The Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to a 1997 strategic plan in which "...sustainability of the agricultural system derives from reduced or redirected inputs, more efficient practices, improved cost effectiveness, reduced environmental impacts, ... optimized land and water use...[and] human resource management focused on human and community development, in particular human health and nutrition, community decision-making, and economic development." The SAREP Web site recently recorded over 30,000 external search inquiries in one month. Sustainable agriculture has clearly emerged as a conceptual tool if not a paradigmatic option for addressing the problems of agriculture and food systems in California.

However, observers of the environmental and social conditions of production agriculture and food systems in California should still be concerned with the sustainability of these systems. High urban population growth rates have led to increased competition for the land, water, and air resources necessary for production agriculture. Consumers are increasingly concerned about food security issues and are demanding roles in shaping sustainable food and agricultural systems. Farmers face increasing restrictions and prohibition of farming practices considered commonplace even five years ago. In the face of these trends, SAREP should, and indeed is required, to lead the search for alternative economic, ecological and community relations which provide sustainable production and food systems models. As SAREP moves into the next century, the values, goals, and scientific statements of sustainable agriculture will be increasingly debated and tested. SAREP must provide resources for credible research-based answers to the questions of sustainability.

How will SAREP lead the sustainability research and education effort into the next millennium? I believe the answer to this question includes support for broad research and education partnerships in region-specific projects. For example, our recent Biologically Integrated Farming Systems awards provide resources to farmers, farm advisors, and agricultural professionals to create these partnerships in specific production agriculture contexts. Our Community Development and Public Policy grants provide resources for food systems research and actions which will lead to greater food security for urban residents and simultaneously forge stronger connections with local growers. The partnerships created by these grants and the generation of successful research and education results and models will be the principle future contributions of SAREP to California agriculture.

I look forward to the challenge of agricultural sustainability in the new millennium and sharing with you future program initiatives to meet this challenge.  -Sean L. Swezey, director, University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.