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agroecology 
Tue Mar 08, 2011 at 06:17:31 AM PST
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From the Wall Street Journal:
Experts agree that finding ways to boost the output of Africa's 80 million smallholder farmers will be crucial. What they disagree on is how.
Many argue that genetically modified crops and more powerful technology-continuing the methods of the "Green Revolution" of the last century-is the way forward.
But Mr. De Schutter disagrees. Instead he says ecological methods which enhance soils productivity and protect crops against pests by relying on beneficial trees, plants, animals and insects will be more sustainable and effective by helping boost production in emerging nations, where demand is greatest.
"There has been an attempt to relaunch the new agricultural revolution these days but its really very financially unsustainable for farmers," he said. "Those who are hungry today are those who have very small farms to cultivate. We need to help them to produce in ways without expensive agricultural inputs."
How do you like them organic apples, Bill Gates?
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Tue Mar 08, 2011 at 05:00:00 AM PST
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Today, Olivier de Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, presented an incredible report on agroecology to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Please read my piece about it on Alternet. And, of course, go to http://www.srfood.org and download the report if you'd like to read it yourself (it's a painless 20 pages or so).
Other news coverage: The Ecologist, The Guardian
And, because it is SO well-written, I've included the press release that went out on the report in full.
Eco-Farming Can Double Food Production in 10 Years, says New UN Report
GENEVA - Small-scale farmers can double food production within 10 years in critical regions by using ecological methods, a new UN report demonstrates. Based on an extensive review of recent scientific literature, the report calls for a fundamental shift towards agroecology as a way to end food crises and address climate- and poverty challenges.
"To feed 9 billion people in 2050, we urgently need to adopt the most efficient farming techniques available. And today's scientific evidence demonstrates that agroecological methods outperform the use of chemical fertilizers in boosting food production in regions where the hungry live", says Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food and author of the report.
Agroecology applies ecological science to the design of agricultural systems. It enhances soils productivity and protects the crops against pests by relying on natural environment such as beneficial trees, plants, animals and insects. The UN report shows that agroecology considerably reduces farmers' reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It is now used by small-scale farmers in many developed and developing countries, with impressive results compared to conventional, chemical-based approach.
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Tue Jul 06, 2010 at 12:36:23 PM PDT
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Don't expect to see this one on the evening news!
"Governments and international agencies urgently need to boost ecological farming techniques to increase food production and save the climate," said UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Olivier De Schutter...
"Today, most efforts are made towards large-scale investments in land - including many instances of land grabbing - and towards a 'Green Revolution' model to boost food production: improved seeds, chemical fertilisers and machines," the Special Rapporteur remarked. "But scant attention has been paid to agroecological methods that have been shown to improve food production and farmers' incomes, while at the same time protecting the soil, water, and climate."
The widest study ever conducted on agroecological approaches (Jules Pretty, Essex University, UK) covered 286 projects in 57 developing countries, representing a total surface of 37 million hectares: the average crop yield gain was 79%. Concrete examples of 'agroecological success stories' abound in Africa.
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Sat May 30, 2009 at 15:20:29 PM PDT
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"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
That may be the case, but apparently sustainable by any other name makes you sound like a dirty hippie. And our government doesn't want no stinkin' dirty hippies.
A few weeks ago, Obama Foodorama posted that sustainable is now the USDA's #1 adjective of choice. Well, if they are serious, that's a good thing. But keep in mind that everyone from Coke and Pepsi to pesticide maker DuPont thinks they are sustainable (judging by their attendance at the upcoming Sustainable Brands conference). And there's the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Chicago with attendees like ConAgra, Sara Lee, and Subway. And don't forget Monsanto, who claims it's also sustainable (just like Fox News is "fair and balanced").
In other words, go ahead and use the word sustainable. It's been adopted, watered down, and all but ruined by the big guys, so nobody is going to think you're actually threatening them with real sustainability. But what if you used the word "agroecology" instead? Rumor has it that that's not so good. I have heard through the grapevine from sustainable agriculture advocates that they have been counseled not to use the term "agroecology" when approaching the U.S. government about their concerns. They got the advice from a well-meaning friend on Capitol Hill who basically let them know that they'd be perceived as radical hippies if they said it. But "sustainable"? That word is OK. Thanks, Monsanto!
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