Statements about goals to increase the sustainability of agriculture have become commonplace among those practicing agriculture and among industries, agencies and organizations that seek to support, serve, or profit from crop production. What is sustainable agriculture? How is organic agriculture different from sustainable agriculture? There may be agreement on some of the broad goals, but perceptions about what defines agricultural sustainability and how to practice it are numerous and often conflicting. This presentation will illustrate some of the commonalities and differences in the ecological, economic, social, legal and philosophical issues that underlie sustainable and organic agriculture. Ways in which these philosophies and laws affect producer approaches to crop management practice, including the use of fertility and pest management chemicals in these systems, will be emphasized. This presentation will focus on the perspective of non-governmental, not-for-profit membership-based organizations that advocate for, represent and serve sustainable and organic producers.