SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE. Professor PhD GABRIELA TEODORESCU, Romania

Transcription

1 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Professor PhD GABRIELA TEODORESCU, Romania

2 INTRODUCTION The main objective of this project is to promote the sustainable agriculture has become key words to horticultural and agricultural producers/farmers in Ecuador. The promotion of sustainable agriculture should be a major objective of the agriculture policy that will require enhanced administrative and educational support. Page 2

3 FACILITIES The significant facilities of the project are a feasibility study in Ecuador based on existing applications of organic farming that would enhance conversion of conventional agriculture in a competitive, organic agriculture. One of the project action is the briefing (teaching studying) of farms (public or private) for organic agriculture technology by using questionnaires and local visits of the farms. Also, dissemination of information about research results in organic agriculture and products. Page 3

4 Types of AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS Sustainable agriculture (integrated)-intensive production of competitive products, harmonious, friendly relations with the environment. The terms frequently used sustainable systems" means the scientific, harmonious use of all the technological components: for the work the soil, crop rotation, fertilization, irrigation, pest and disease control through biological methods, including from animal husbandry, storage, processing and use of the residues from agricultural activities, etc., for the achievement of high and stable yields in agriculture (crops and livestock). Page 4

5 Conventional farming - intensive mechanized, with competitive products, but which rely particularly on concentration and specialization of production. The various components of the system intensively applied technology. Thus, soil aeration during regularly is performed followed by numerous secondary works : seedbed preparation and maintenance during the period of vegetation. Mineral fertilization practice with high doses and very large monoculture, or short rotations at most two, three years, intensive chemical treatment to combat weeds, pests and diseases. Page 5

6 Organic farming - less aggressive in relation to environmental factors, less competitive economically in the short term, but which are regarded as superior in terms of quality. In relation to the environment, this system is better, the treatments used to combat pests and diseases are biological, however, are accepted and low doses of mineral fertilizers and pesticides. For quality control of products is necessary to certify the technologies used. The products are sold on a special market. Page 6

7 Extensive agriculture with reduced inputs-subsistence, with a weak competitive production. May affect the environment, including the quality of biomass, especially through the nutrition imbalances. Mineral fertilisers and agrochemical substances (herbicides, insecticidal, fungicidal mineral amendments), etc., are not practically used (or applied only in very small quantities). Also, hybrids and varieties are not performing on the wide scale. Page 7

8 Precision agriculture - the most advanced form of agriculture that is practiced even in the most developed countries on smaller surfaces, based on the most modern methods of quality control of various environmental resources, the application of optimal time of all the technological components and thus a strict control over prospective factors that would lead to environmental degradation. Page 8

9 Agriculture Systems Sustainable agriculture systems (integrated) are characterized by a productive activity multisectoral plant production is always in direct relationship with the animal. Sustainable agriculture systems, for the development of productive activities intensive, competitive production results are necessary the following measures: Page 9

10 great diversity of crop plants, but at the same time varieties and hybrids with high genetic potential and adapt to local conditions, perennial crops are used for both the needs of the livestock sector, as well as for improving and preserving the structural condition of the soil, perennial vegetable crops (and annual) are preferred for improving balance of nitrogen in the soil (the crops are introduced, after the main crop harvesting), Page 10

11 use of organic waste materials typically stockyard (preferably composted solid ones) in combination with mineral fertilizers; the extensive use of biological prevention and protection, while minimising the use of chemicals, the optimal performance of all work the soil and harvesting and transport at the farm must be taken into account, in addition to the aspects of protection and conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity and economic and social ones. Page 11

12 Conventional farming systems. These systems are characterized by specialisation and intensification of agricultural activity and minimizing production costs. Mineral fertilizers and pesticides are widely used in field crops, but also in horticulture, viticulture, vegetable production. Crop rotation prevails in only certain plants, especially grain and technical, the most widespread being monoculture (corn for grain) and two-year rotation of corn and wheat, with the application of high doses of mineral fertilizers and other chemicals to control pests and diseases. Tilling is intensive and is often used for high-capacity machines, especially in irrigation, intensifies the risk of degradation and pollution of the environment. The major goal is to obtain a maximum profit, minimized environmental resource protection. Page 12

13 Agricultural biological (ecological) systems, organic farming (organic, biodynamic, bioorganic) is considered a viable solution that solves the negative impacts of agriculture on the environment and the quality of the products. In this system the other organic and natural fertilizers, replace pesticides, drugs and stimulating growth. The output produced is lower, but you can't get an acceptable economic profit by selling the products (high quality) on a specially organised market. Page 13

14 Biological farming systems has three major objectives: -to obtain agricultural products quality in sufficient quantity and at reasonable prices; -improving and preserving all of environmental resources and minimizing pollution sources; -creating the general framework for manufacturers of foodstuffs, ensuring that sufficient quantities of development of society, to guarantee the safety of the working environment, to increase revenue, provide customer satisfaction and harmonizing with the nature of life. In order to promote the success of biological agriculture is required to meet certain conditions to agricultural producers, which refers mostly to crop rotation, fertilization and weed control, pests and diseases. Page 14

15 Biological agriculture competitive systems are based on the latest research results, in order to obtain high-quality agri-food products. In the promotion and development of organic farming, in order to maintain the total volume of production it is necessary to increase the surface of the ground. For farmers, the processing and marketing of organic products, are particularly important, because of the limited level of production. Page 15

16 In conclusion... Organic vs. Sustainable Organic farming excludes the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs, whereas sustainable agriculture does not. Organic farms constitute only a small percent of farms with a minor impact on the environment. Sustainable agriculture aims to make positive changes on all farms. In the future, large organic farms that rely on machinery and automation, and purchased inputs, will have similar sustainability issues that large conventional farms do today. Sustainability aims to balance between what is taken out of the soil with what is returned to it, without relying on outside inputs. This is not necessarily a concern of organic farming. Page 16

17 Permaculture Permaculture is a creative design process that is based on ethics and design principles. It guides us to mimic the patterns and relationships we can find in nature and can be applied to all aspects of human habitation, from agriculture to ecological building, from appropriate technology to education and even economics. It is ecological agriculture and it is also permanent culture, incorporating social and political. Page 17

18 Central to permaculture are the three ethics: care for the earth, care for people, and fair share. Here are someprinciples of permaculture(described by David Holmgren). Observe and Interact By taking the time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation. Catch and Store Energy By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need. Obtain a yield Apply Self Regulation and Accept Feedback Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services Produce No Waste Design From Patterns to Details Use Small and Slow Solutions Use and Value Diversity Use Edges and Value the Marginal Page 18

19 THE PRINCIPLE of SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE The principle for setting up ecological agriculture is to match ecological technology measures (the combination of ecological and engineering measures) to local conditions. It involves using systematic management methods, grass, vegetable and tree planting technology, improvement of medium and low farmland and overall use of rural energy resources in order to obtain the ecological products and protect the environment. Organic farming and integrated farming represent real opportunities on several levels, contributing to vibrant rural economies through sustainable development. Growers need to be efficient in production to stay competitive and they need to conserve and protect soil and water to be sustainable. Page 19

20 STRATEGIES... Some strategies include farming technologies which degrade the natural resource base and require high levels of external inputs (including toxic chemicals), and agricultural research and extension services which are based on the notion that technology, should be developed by specialists and transferred to recipient farmers (through messages and demonstrations). Page 20

21 OBJECTIVES First step is the educational development on sustainable agriculture and to asses the economic dimension of several impacts: new technologies, agricol ecosystems evolution. The second step is to examine the potential of economy valuation tools, including market and non-market methodologies, to asses the economic value of sustainable products and its role at local and regional level. And the third step is to develop and test self-diagnosis study (charters) that will enable urban and rural people to assess the sustainability of their practices. Page 21

22 THE MAIN OBJECTIVE The objective has been set up to develop quantified scenarios that assess the agricultural and socio-economic evolution in Quito region in order to find necessary tools to plan a sustainable future for all regions. Page 22

23 REASONS One of the reasons is identification of the agricultural practices problems and the solutions given by the farmers applying organic farming. Also, it is very important the identification of economical development perspectives for agriculture actors at the local and regional level. The result is to be competitive at the regional dimension. Page 23

24 THE KEY... Sustainable agriculture education is the key to providing people with the knowledge, awareness, attitudes and values that will assist them in this task. The effects of climate changes on physical, biological and agricultural systems in vulnerable areas, may shortly be brought into question. Page 24

25 From this point of view the strategy focuses on few major research areas: Education development for analyze of different practices in agriculture (cultivation, treatements, irrigation ) for ecological analyze. A land-use system approach, in which we analyze different systems from both an ecological and socio-economic point of view. In this context we can say that the education for sustainable agriculture is not just a priority for students or farmers, it must be a lifetime commitment for all of us. Page 25

26 AIM Sustainable agriculture systems aim is to re-create as much as possible natural systems. Natural systems support several competing species, so that no single species has a consistent advantage. This is contrary to the main objective of modern conventional agricultural systems where the enterprise, to be viable, must maintain a permanent advantage. Requirement to restrict the use of excess of chemicals in the agricultural practice has imposed the promotion of some strategies which through accepted principles to established alternatives leading to ecological agriculture. Any farm, either crop or livestock to be certified and named ecological must pass a transition period, longer or shorter, of conversion. Page 26

27 Its simplest definition is understood as an agricultural system that is based on ecological principles and applying ecological practices to maintain soil fertility, to manage crop and animal health, and to keep soil and water in a good condition. Consumers and producers of organic products understand organic agriculture to be the production of food and fibber without the use of synthetic chemicals. However, there is more to organic farming than just stopping using artificial inputs. Organic farming aims to minimize inputs to create an agricultural system that is as near as possible to a self-perpetuating or closed system of production. Page 27

28 However, some nutrients are removed when the crop is harvested, so some inputs in the form of composts and green manure crops are added to replace these nutrients. Other natural substances may also be added to stimulate biological activity in the soil. Page 28

29 METHODS Increasing of the reserach capacities and development of cooperation between research institutions (IASA, ESPE) and farmers from Quito region; Increasing of research capacity through infrastructure development and students and young scientist attraction; Reinforcement of the knowledge transfer between research institutions (IASA, ESPE) and farmers,companies, administration: - Transfer knowledge stimulation, - Increasing of sustainability s of research in land use impact on agricultural biodiversity. Page 29

30 LIVE IN A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT We will commit ourselves to develop a new research that brings added value on the following key points: Documentation of practices in agriculture in Quito region and quantification of parameters, Evaluation and quantification of direct impacts of sustainable agriculture technology to regional economical development, Description and assessment of the importance of feedback loops and linkages between physical, biological and environmental systems, Page 30

31 We intend to bring the answers to these crucial questions : its vital to develop an agricultural system that is based on ecological principles and applying ecological practices to maintain soil fertility, to manage crop and animal health, and to keep soil and water in a good condition?! The results of this research can be considered a best management practice for sustainable agriculture and will present the best action maintain or increase production while minimizing impact on the environment. Page 31

32 Approaching of the economic model in sustainable agriculture evaluation to future years To study the implications sustainable agriculture technology it is necessary to approach the economic model reflecting the major changes that will affect the agricultural systems during this period of time. This action consists in using of some key economic variables (e.g. labour stocks and productivity, population, land productivity etc.) according to the projections available in the existing literature. Page 32

33 The evaluation of conventional agriculture impact on physical terms First, direct impacts of conventional technology: the losses for the land capacity, the loss of competitiveness of the regional economy, changes in human health etc. Second, we will evaluate the conventional agriculture impact on physical terms and will translate that economic model. Page 33

34 BEST PRACTICES To be considered a best management practice, an action must maintain or increase crop production while minimizing impact on the environment. In the case of many crops, this means using good management so that the crop is well-established and healthy. This allows farmers (growers) to reduce treatments such as pesticides that may affect the environment. Page 34

35 SOIL Soil is vital to all crop production, vegetables or fruit. Healthy and productive soil helps crops develop good root systems and reduces crop stress caused by drought or excess rainfall. Intensive production of agricultural and horticultural crops creates some unique challenges in soil management. Page 35

36 FARMING TECHNOLOGIES Some strategies include farming technologies which degrade the natural resource base and require high levels of external inputs (including toxic chemicals), and agricultural research and extension services which are based on the notion that technology, should be developed by specialists and transferred to recipient farmers through messages and demonstrations. Also, it is very important the identification of economical development perspectives for tourism and agriculture actors at the local and regional level. Page 36

37 ORGANIC FARMING, REAL OPPORTUNITIES Organic farming Represent real opportunities for Ecuador on several levels, contributing to vibrant rural economies through sustainable development. Indeed, new employment opportunities in farming, processing and related services are already evident in the growth of the organic sector. As well as the environmental advantages, these farming systems can bring significant benefits both to the economy and the social cohesion of rural areas. Page 37

38 RESOURCES We recommend for land biological resources placed on low input (e.g. pesticides and fertilisers), and organic production systems, improvement the management of resources and novel food and feeds, and novel plants (crops and trees) with respect to their composition, resistance to stress, ecological effect, nutrient and water use efficiency, and architecture. This will be supported through research into biosafety, co-existence and traceability of novel plants systems and products, and monitoring and assessment of impact of genetically modified crops on the environment and human health as well as the possibility of their broader benefit for society. Page 38

39 GOOD PRACTICES Some recommendation and good practices for development of ecological agriculture in Ecuador, could be: increased sustainability, decreasing environmental impacts and taking account of climate change, in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture through the development of new technologies, equipment, novel plants and production systems, crop management through selected plant breeding, plant health and optimised production systems, etc. Page 39

40 PROBLEMS/REQUIREMENTS Organic farmers rely on natural methods of pest and disease control and crop nutrition. A high level of understanding is needed of the life cycles and interactions of crops, livestock, weeds, pests and diseases. Mechanical means are used when possible to control weeds or other pests and enhance soil fertility. Page 40

41 This requires a high level of management, achieved through a variety of techniques: Creating environments that encourage beneficial species to keep pest populations in check (i.e. keep natural fences or other natural vegetation to preserve beneficial pests); Selecting crop varieties that discourage or are resistant to pests and diseases; Using management tools such as crop rotations and companion planting to inhibit or repel pests and diseases; Using when possible mechanical means to control pests; Use cultivation techniques like long term rotations to reduce pest infestations. Page 41

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43 Page 43 THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION