Rural Issue

Sustainability matters to agriculture

Farmers and agribusinesses are taking a better look at sustainability.

Chuck Lippstreu with Agricultural Leaders of Michigan says they’re asking ag leaders how the industry can come together and continue down the sustainability path.

“Sustainability really is an issue that’s front and center for agriculture here national and around the world, it’s one that we want to be ahead of the game on.”

Lippstreu tells Brownfield while sustainability is a fast moving and evolving issue, they are currently focusing on water quality, energy use and recycling.  He says agribusinesses and farmers are becoming more energy efficient and saving money with energy audits.

Lippstreu says the coalition wants to help move the industry forward on some key issues.

“How can we look at the impacts of climate on Michigan here in the coming years and how do we adapt, those are important questions in the sustainably space and it’s something the Ag Leaders of Michigan feel we need to have a proactive conversation about.”

The group recently hosted almost 100 farmers and heads of ag business for their third annual sustainability conference.

AUDIO: Interview with Chuck Lippstreu (3:03 mp3):