SUSTAINABILITY means a development that fulfils the present needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations.

To reduce the burden placed on man and environment, Suszarnicza Spółka OGRODNIK S.A. joined the Sustainable Agriculture Development project in 2008. Growing, harvesting and production are carried out according to the seasonal calendar. A short distance between the field and the factory, the limited use of fertilizers and plant protection products lead to a smaller ecological devastation. Continuous monitoring of the state of soil and groundwater in conjunction with the secondary use of organic waste helps to maintain the ecosystem. Contracts for the supplies of raw materials, training of farmers and professional help of agronomists strengthen mutual relations, thus contributing to a better understanding and the implementation of the adopted philosophy.

The indicators of the sustainable agriculture development.

1. SOIL FERTILITY
   
   

   Soil is a fundamental element of the land, and rich soil ecosystems contribute to the efficiency of crop yields and livestock production. Sustainable practices measures can increase the beneficial components of the soil ecosystem.

2. SOIL LOSS
   
   

   Soil eroded by water and wind can lose both the structure and its organic properties, thereby reducing the value of the agricultural system. Sustainable practices actions can reduce soil erosion.

3. NUTRIENTS
   
   

   Crops and livestock need a balance of nutrients. Some of them can be created locally and some must be imported. Nutrients can be lost through sowing, erosion and emissions to the atmosphere. Sustainable actions can strengthen locally produced nutrients and reduce the losses.

4. PEST MANAGEMENT
   
   

   When pesticides are applied to crops and livestock, a small but nevertheless significant proportion can escape into the water and air, or be set aside in food, affecting the ecosystem and human health. Sustainable practices actions can replace the natural control of certain pesticides, reducing the dependence on synthetic substances.

5. BIODIVERSITY
   
   

   Agriculture has shaped most ecosystems in the world, and biodiversity can be improved or reduced by agricultural practices. Some biodiversity is highly beneficial for agriculture. Sustainable practices can improve biodiversity by 'greening the middle' as well as 'greening the edge' of the fields.

6. THE VALUE CHAIN
   
   

   The value chain is the term for the total amount of activities that add value to the product, which then lead to placing the product on the market. The economy of farms is an integral part of the value chain for food products. Farmers should create the exact range of factors that affect the economy of their farms and the non-economic value they produce. Sustainable practices actions should be able to sustain or improve the economy of farms and to add service values to the natural and ecosystem values.

7. ENERGY
   
   

   Although solar energy is a fundamental contribution to agriculture, the energy balance of agricultural systems depends on the additional energy supplied from non-renewable sources in order to power farm machinery. Sustainable practices actions can improve the energy balance and ensure that it will be positive - more energy outgoing than incoming.

8. WATER
   
   

   Some agricultural systems use water for irrigation, some pollute or contaminate the groundwater or surface water with pesticides, nutrients, or soil. Sustainable practices can make targeted use of inputs, and reduce losses.

9. HUMAN CAPITAL
   
   

   The challenge of using natural resources in a sustainable manner is essentially a social challenge. It requires collective action, sharing new knowledge and continuous implementation of innovation. Sustainable agriculture practices can improve both social and human capital, in order to ensure standard efficiency. The main responsibility for this should remain in the local community, leading to realistic and actionable objectives.

10. LOCAL ECONOMY
    
    

    Agricultural inputs (goods, labour, services) can be sourced from many places, but when they come from the local economy, the expenditure helps to sustain local businesses and livelihoods. Sustainable agriculture practices can help to make the best use of the local and available resources in order to increase efficiency.

11. ANIMAL WELFARE
    
    

    Animal management systems are becoming more and more specialised, and therefore, further removed from the wild habitat where farm animal ancestors evolved. Treatment of animals in temporary artificial environment is becoming one of the major ethical problems. It must be ensured that animals live in harmony with their environment.