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The Ecological Paradigm

• An Agricultural Call to Arms: Addressing Society's Concerns
• Rationale for an Ecology-Based Paradigm
• Earth Day: 30 Years and Counting
      an opinion piece

Ecological. Paradigm. Big words, but don't let them intimidate you.

"Ecology" is a branch of science that is concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environments. In our case, we are trying to place agriculture in balance with its environment.

"Paradigm" is simply an example, pattern, or model.

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University uses this term to describe a new way of thinking about how it approaches agricultural research, outreach, and academic programs. It embraces the notion that anything we do in the college or recommend to the public through educational programs must occur only after we seriously consider the impact there might be on production efficiency, economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental compatibility.

Dean Bob Moser often uses a pyramid to describe how these four factors, like four sides of a pyramid, come together to form a stronger structure.

On this site we have a straightforward and brief explanation of the ecological paradigm, a longer and more in-depth piece written by F. P. Miller, Professor of Natural Resources and past director of OSU's School of Natural Resources, and an editorial also written by Dr. Miller that has been used in the media.

Together, we hope these documents give you a better understanding of this concept we call the "ecological paradigm" and how it might become part of your personal philosophy and the day-to-day management of your farm, agribusiness, or any other type of enterprise.

September 2000