ABSTRACT
The interfaces of human health and sustainable agriculture are multifaceted. The four major agricultural health risks to farmers and consumers derive from pesticides, antibiotics, nitrates, and altered nutrient levels. Virtually all public concerns about pesticide residues are focused on fruits and vegetables. The Nutri-Clean system is used only for fresh produce. Supermarket chains are attracting customers by providing organically grown produce, not organically grown grains. The emphasis of organic agriculture on soil preservation and decreased fertilizer use, which does lead to a decrease in nitrate levels in water, may not be a reflection of the greatest taxpayer interest. Agriculture and health will be joined at the farm, consumer, and policy levels. Apparently, sustainable agriculture practitioners and researchers are ahead of their conventional colleagues in awareness of this need.
