AN INSIDE LOOK AT SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN ARIZONA

Abstract

Climate change is a growing threat to the human population and to the agricultural industry. These threats impact factors like water usage, land management, and natural resource management. To overcome the threats presented by climate change, farmers must act proactively to keep their businesses afloat to accommodate the growing demands of the industry. Farmers in Arizona have resorted to several different growing methods to do so, yet there are still increasing concerns for current and future agricultural entrepreneurs. These sustainable growing methods include hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, organic crops, and more. Local sustainable agriculture business owners were interviewed and asked a series of open-ended questions to amplify their voices and concerns with how the industry currently being run, as well as future changes they hope to see. This article will discuss the costs and benefits of the sustainable growing methods used currently and how those methods can be improved upon. Furthermore, this article covers ways farmers and emerging agricultural entrepreneurs can get involved in sustainable farming through local community-based programs and organizations. The importance of sustainable practices in agriculture is highlighted and showcased though the various struggles and successes of business owners. This information is useful to any current and future agricultural business owners interested in sustainability.