The United Nations World Summit
on Sustainable Development 
Johannesburg, South Africa
August 26 to September 4, 2002

• Guiding Principles for USDA Sustainable Development 
• USDA Policy Statement on Sustainable Development
• USDA Council on Sustainable Development
   
  Partner Links for Sustainable Development
  
• USDA and Partner Agencies
• Federal Sustainable Development Links
• Sustainable Development Organizations
• Small Farms @ USDA
• President's Council on Sustainable Development (PC

Following are the guiding principals established by the Department in support of USDA's sustainable development initiatives related to Sustainable Forest Management, Sustainable Agriculture, and Sustainable Rural Community Development:  

• Sustainable Agriculture — USDA supports the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of diverse food, fiber, agriculture, forest, and range systems. 

 
• Sustainable Forest Management — USDA balances the goals of improved production and profitability, stewardship of natural resources and ecological systems, and enhancement of the vitality of rural communities. 

 
• Sustainable Rural Community Development —USDA integrates these goals into its policies and programs, particularly through interagency collaboration, partnerships and outreach. 

The USDA Policy Statement on Sustainable Development was published in USDA's Secretary of Agriculture's Memorandum 9500-6 dated September 13, 1996. This memorandum provides the purpose, background, and policy; and identifies actions.  

<Back to Top> 
 

The Council was formed in 1996 and is chaired by Adela Backiel (adela.backiel@usda.gov), Director of Sustainable Development, Office of the Chief Economist. The Council is the forum for policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation on issues, and provides the framework and mechanism for integration across mission areas and program activities; such as, research, management, technical assistance, education, and grant and loan delivery. For further information, contact the Council members who represent mission areas and agencies throughout USDA. 
 
<Back to Top> 
 

 

For general information about Sustainable Development@ USDA, call (202) 720-5447 or send e-mail to rbridge@oce.usda.gov. Also, for your information, please  read USDA's Privacy Policy.