Mensuração da sustentabilidade na agricultura

Abstract

The present study aims at analyzing measuring methodologies related to the sustainability of the agricultural activity in the current agricultural model, by means of a critical approach in the context of sustainable development. In order to do so, we conducted an exploratory research and made use of a bibliographical study as an instrument for the review of the pertinent literature, which included the most classical works, as well as the most current and updated ones, in a historical context. Evidence reveals that the sustainability measuring methodologies, in their multiple dimensions and forms currently available, are complex and show a high degree of technical and economical difficulty in order to be executed. The results of our study also point to the fact that the current model of agriculture here referred to as modern agriculture, chemical-mechanical model, agrochemical or conventional model is not sustainable, since its technological foundation lies on false premises and conceptions, which do not take into consideration the social and environmental impacts it may cause, especially in a long term basis. As a conclusion, this research highlights the technological or agronomic dimension as a possible alternative in the assessment of the sustainability of agricultural activities, due to reasons such as cost and execution practicability. As a tool for data interpretation, this study uses, as a reference and within a systemic view, the techniques and practices that are considered, by the literature on the subject, as having sustainable basis.