As a member of the Task Force's working body I would appreciate input
from members of this group. Following is a request for input in the
form of three (3) questions.
If you choose to respond to this request I would ask that you send me
your input by the close-of-business December 9, 1994.
Goals Survey
Question 1. (one or two paragraphs) Please describe yourview of the
challenges this country faces regarding sustainability of agriculture. These
challenges are intended to provide the context and/or define the issues toward
which the goals will be aimed.
Question 2. Please list the goal topics that you consider to be essential for
sustainable agriculture. These goal topics should be an extension of your
answer to question 1 above.
Question 3. Please write a goal statement and rationale for the statement for
any or all topics you identified in question 2, above. Ideally, the goal
statement should be about 25 words in length. The rationale statement should
not exceed two paragraphs; it might include assumptions, underlying intent of
the goal, desired outcomes, historical significance, and any trends
or indicators useful for measuring attainment.
The PCSD task force on Principles and Goals suggests that goals should:
1. be quantitative and measurable where possible
2. lead to positive accomplishment
3. be consistent with PCSD vision
4. not be ambiguous
5. be as far-reaching as possible
6. be expressed in short-, mid-, and long-term benchmarks
7. equally weigh social, environmental, and economic concerns
8. be consistent with Agenda 21 of the UN Conference on Environment
and Development
Please send your comments to me by December 9, 1994 (close-of-business):
Marc Safley
Ecological Sciences Division
Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly SCS)
P.O. Box 2890
Washington, DC 20013
tel: 202-720-3921
fax: 202-720-2646
a16msafley@attmail.com
Thank you for your thoughful consideration of this request.