Mission & History

PASA's Mission: Promoting profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment.

Sustainability - while it may be the hot buzzword of the twenty-first century, PASA has been working hard at it for almost two decades.

PASA grew out of the need for an educational and support system for farmers-both experienced and beginning-interested in non-traditional agricultural practices, such as organic, biodynamic and grass-based farming, as well as the desire to create local markets for such sustainably produced food.

PASA's mission now reaches thousands of farmers through a variety of channels. Each year, numerous Farm Based Education programs are held throughout the state, offering insight into real-life agricultural operations and giving farmers a chance to learn from other farmers who themselves have learned through experience. We also make available and discuss relevant research on topics of sustainability as it comes available.

The annual Farming for the Future conference began in 1992 with a bang as hundreds of interested farmers and other sustainable agriculture enthusiasts showed up for our first two-day event. Now the conference has grown into a nearly weeklong experience delivering a multitude of workshops led by leading authorities on a wide range of cutting-edge, alternative agricultural practices. Attendance currently stands at approximately 2,000 participants representing most states in this country and several other countries as well. Topics range from pastured-based livestock production, integrated pest management and organic vegetable production to human nutrition, renewable energy and environmental policy.

PASA has come to recognize that farming extends far beyond the edge of field and pasture. Our work encompasses the development of healthy food systems for both rural and urban communities. To accomplish this, PASA has more recently worked to build consumer awareness about food safety and nutritional issues through education and advocacy, and by networking with other consumer groups, nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the state and nation.