Economics is a social science that deals with the proper allocation of limited resources. Sustainable agriculture is the cultivation of plants, fibers, textiles, livestock, etc., without existence or with minimal negative externalities. The economy and sustainable agriculture have a common supply of raw materials and meeting the needs of present but without endangering future generations. Conventional agricultural practices have put significant pressure on the environment, with agricultural incomes not catching up with non-agricultural ones, which is why alternative practices are being sought to meet the environmental, economic and social demands of sustainable development. The paper describes modern sustainable agricultural practices and presents the possibilities of growing some of the unrepresented agricultural crops in Croatia (such as industrial hemp, Indian soapberry, pistachio and miscanthus). The aim of the research was to identify which innovative agricultural crops could contribute to agricultural income in accordance with the principles of sustainable development; in addition to the analysis of the content of literature sources, the method of statistical analysis and comparative analysis was used (EU and world countries such as Italy, Spain, China, etc.) The results of the research are expected to contribute to business models for achieving the sustainability of agriculture and the economy of the Republic of Croatia, with an emphasis on energy, ecology and economy. The paper is also an incentive to apply the latest practices that can contribute to increasing the competitiveness of agricultural production and reducing dependence on imports.