Abstract
As Iran addresses the goal of self-sufficiency in the production of food and fiber products, sustainable agriculture is gaining interest within Extension and the Ministry of Agriculture as a means of achieving this goal. Dependence on pesticide and insecticide imports, compounded by a growing population, limited arable land, and high soil erosion, has led to the call for more appropriate agricultural practice. Little is known, however, about extension agents= perceptions regarding sustainable agriculture practices. A random sample of extension agents in the Khorasan Province was surveyed by mail. Agents perceived sustainable agriculture to mean lower chemical inputs, natural resource and environmental protection, effective and efficient agricultural production system, and reliance on organic matter. Agents also indicated a preference for sustainable agricultural practices. Younger and less experienced agents tended to prefer sustainable over traditional agriculture practices. Agents also indicated the need for more local research. Implications for these results are given and recommendations made.
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