Growing food and fiber with fewer or no pesticides and other off-farm inputs is the driving force behind a 28-acre, long-term research project at UC Davis. Not long ago, California's mainstream conventional farmers felt threatened by notions of "sustainable" agriculture, but that has begun to change. In fact, the project is partially funded by California agribusiness. "Farmers in increasing numbers are now recognizing that sustainable agriculture is not only good for the environment but also makes good business sense," says Steve Temple, UC Cooperative Extension agronomist. "Off-farm inputs are expensive, so whatever a farmer can do to limit production cost will improve the bottom line as well." Since 1989, Temple and a multi-disciplinary team of UC scientists have been exploring the environmental and economic ramifications of producing crops with alternative production practices. The answers that have begun to emerge from the study will help pave the way for new production strategies to ensure the long-term viability of California agriculture. The scientists invite farmers, fellow researchers and the public to UC Davis on June 22 for a traditional field day of farming in the Sacramento Valley.