This book establishes a framework for the conversion to sustainable agriculture based on a four-step conversion process encompassing not only changes in on-farm practice and philosophy but also a change in the relationship with consumers through the food system across the farm gate. Refreshingly, the book acknowledges the difficulties of both researching and putting into practice changes at the whole system level as opposed to alterations in individual farming practices. Of particular value is the discussion of what motivates practitioners to alter their agricultural systems; this goes beyond the usual discussion of finance and markets to address issues such as family values and community development. A series of case studies from around the world illustrates the wide range of social, political, environmental and economic drivers for change in farming systems, and gives some excellent examples of alterations in practice that are occurring and how these are being monitored. The choice of case studies illustrates how the principles of sustainable agriculture can be applied in both relatively industrial situations, e.g. strawberry production in California, but also in traditional small-scale agriculture, for example, in Mexico. This book will interest students and practitioners of organic agriculture but will also be of value to a much wider community concerned with reducing the dependence of agriculture on fossil fuels and the challenges of reconnecting agriculture and consumers.