Authors’ Response

Abstract

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to respond to a letter that was sent to you regarding our article published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the February 2017 issue titled, “Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Perspectives on Integrating Food and Water System Issues into Professional Practice.” We appreciate the reader's interest in the article. Our study simply evaluated registered dietitian nutritionists’ (RDNs’) attitudes toward addressing the issue of sustainability of the food supply, and whether they felt adequately prepared to address those issues in practice. Our study did not ask about RDNs’ attitudes toward any specific segment of food producers, or any specific production method. However, by definition, if a segment of producers (such as the livestock industry) is working to decrease the environmental impact of their product, they are trying to become more sustainable. Our study conclusions were that RDNs need more training and employer support to understand the issue of sustainability in the food system and address consumers’ questions on the subject. The term sustainable agriculture was defined for participants so that all were using the same definition when completing the survey. Regarding definitions, readers could see any of the following definitions:•US Department of Agriculture (USDA; nifa.usda.gov/program/sustainable-agriculture-program): Sustainable agriculture seeks to provide more profitable farm income, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance quality of life for farm families and communities.•Minnesota Institute of Sustainable Agriculture (MISA; www.misa.umn.edu/about/misamission): MISA has an explanation of agriculture: MISA believes that agriculture is a system in which the land, the people, and the production of food are interwoven. One aspect of the system cannot be changed without influencing all of it. MISA believes that all efforts to improve agriculture should take care to balance the long-term economic, ecological, and social effects.•USDA History of the terminology (www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/sustainable-agriculture-definitions-and-terms).•Harmon AH, Gerald BL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Food and nutrition professionals can implement practices to conserve natural resources and support ecological sustainability. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007;107(6):1033-1043.•Nordin SM, Boyle M, Kemmer TM. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutrition security in developing nations: Sustainable food, water, and health. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2013;113(4):581-595.•Tagtow A, Robien K, Bergquist E, et al. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: standards of professional performance for registered dietitian nutritionists (competent, proficient, and expert) in sustainable, resilient, and healthy food and water systems. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(3):475-488.e24. We appreciate all efforts made by American farmers to become more sustainable, and look forward to seeing continued advancements toward a sustainable agricultural system that is capable of feeding people while protecting the environment. Furthermore, we hope that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics continues to support and train RDNs on the important issues surrounding agricultural sustainability in America. Thank you for the opportunity to respond on this important issue. Questioning the Definition of Sustainable AgricultureJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVol. 117Issue 11PreviewI wanted to respond, on behalf of the National Pork Board, to the Original Research: Brief published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ February 2017 issue titled, “Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Perspectives on Integrating Food and Water System Issues into Professional Practice,” by Heidelberger and colleagues.1 As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who supports America’s livestock farmers, I was concerned about some of the assertions about meat and agriculture throughout the research brief and discussion. Full-Text PDF