This book examines the concept of sustainability in farming from a range of viewpoints, and in doing so, undertakes a thorough analysis of one of the most serious challenges facing today's food production systems. There are four sections which progress in a logical sequence from a group of ‘Scene Setting’ chapters, followed by a section on ‘Communities of Information and Knowledge’, and a thought-provoking section on ‘Ethical Production and Protection’ and ending with a section on ‘Ethical and Policy Frameworks’. The interdisciplinary nature of the contributions enable authors to explore the issue of sustainability in a comprehensive manner, with chapters covering the underlying philosophical approach to sustainability, issues relating to the practical management of farmlands and a consideration of developing political and policy frameworks. The authors are drawn from a wide range of disciplines including the natural sciences, social sciences, the farming community, economics and policy analysts. The message is that sustainable farmland management is a complex issue, where different stakeholders subscribe to radically different views. However, the underpinning science is enabling us to improve our ability to develop more robust definitions of sustainability (or lack of it), which in turn will help deliver more appropriate policy responses. This is a thoroughly readable book and through a sequence of well-developed chapters; it provides a genuinely valuable insight into the sustainability concept. The book correctly identifies a range of views regarding the sustainability debate and will inevitably stimulate further debate. It will be invaluable to all of those engaged in the development of sustainable farming systems and should be essential reading for students, researchers and policy makers.