Sustainable production is the most important leading principle for the world markets where liberalisation exerts the greatest pressure on development. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the degree of sustainability on a national and local level. However, only little information for single farm assessment is available at this time. The present paper introduces a tool called “Response-Inducing Sustainability Evaluation” (RISE), which allows an easy assessment at the farm level. It is system-oriented and offers a holistic approach for advice, education and planning. The model covers ecological, economic and social aspects by defining 12 indicators for Energy, Water, Soil, Biodiversity, Emission Potential, Plant Protection, Waste and Residues, Cash Flow, Farm Income, Investments, Local Economy and Social Situation. For each indicator the “Driving force” (D) and the “State” (S) are determined. D stands for the estimated pressure on the farming system and reflects the tendency of development, S stands for the measured or estimated actual situation. For D and S is used a scale between 0 and 100. For D is the best case 0 (lowest pressure), for S it is 100 (highest performance). The degree of sustainability (DS) is S minus D (values between –100 and +100). The results are summarized and displayed in a sustainability polygon. In addition to this polygon the situational framework is rated for 1) stability of the social, economic and ecological framework, 2) farmer’s risk awareness and precautions against risks, 3) grey energy (machines, buildings, external inputs), 4) animal health and welfare. The tool RISE was tested and used to evaluate very different farms in Brazil, China and Switzerland. The results are considered relevant with regard to the objective stated. Further testing, adaptation and fine-tuning is under way. It is envisioned to develop a similar methodology for the sustainability assessment of the entire supply chain.
Agricultura 2: 7-11 (2003)

Key words: sustainability assessment; sustainability at the farm and crop level; indicators of sustainability; driving force

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