The Amish Farm and Alternative Agriculture

Abstract

This paper examines the Amish farm using a paradigm developed by Bues and Dunlap (1990) that contrasts conventional and alternative agriculture. The Amish farm is described as a farming system that carefully manages both human and natural resources. While not the same as alternative agriculture, the Amish farming system does include many of the elements that alternative agriculture does, such as diversity, decentralization, community, independence, harmony with nature and restraint. The author uses primary sources from within the Amish community and the literature about the Amish farm in order to make the comparison with other forms of farming. The Amish way of life and its relationship to the farm is discussed, noting that Amish people's spirituality, supportive community, and the values of self-sufficiency and independence are incorporated into every aspect of lie, including farming practices. The paper concludes by suggesting that some key factors of the Amish farming system could be beneficial if incorporated into other farming.