ABSTRACT
Ecology has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of a sustainable and environmentally sound agriculture. The role of ecological research in supporting development of one aspect of sustainable use, sustainable agriculture, was evaluated at a conference organized by the US environmental protection agency (EPA) in Arlington, Virginia, July 22-23, 1991. Agriculture contributes to many of the environmental problems for which EPA is seeking solutions; for example, nonpoint source pollution, contamination of groundwater, and loss of biodiversity. EPA's new emphasis on prevention rather than mitigation of environmental problems makes the potential environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture attractive to the Agency. EPA's growing expertise in ecology, combined with a recognition of the importance of ecological knowledge as a foundation for sustainable agriculture, led to the conference theme. The conference was attended by scientists and administrators from EPA and US Department of Agriculture, academics from a variety of universities and disciplines, state and local government officials, farmers, private consultants, and others.
