Agroecology: a launchpad for innovation? Name : Tarek Soliman Organisation: Food innovation program- WikiExpo project 1
Profile Bsc. International Agriculture, Cairo University Msc. Plant protection Mediterranean agronomic institute, Bari, italy Msc. Agroecology and rural development, ISARA, NMBU, SLU Food Innovation program The Journey Summer School 2
What is agroecology? Most accepted definition: the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems, provides a framework to assess the complexity of agroecosystems Altieri 1995 The Journey Summer School 3
Agroecology Principles Enhance the recycling of biomass. Enhancement of functional biodiversity. managing organic matter and by enhancing soil biological activity. Minimize losses of energy, water, nutrients and genetic resources. Diversify species and genetic resources in the agroecosystem Enhance beneficial biological interactions and synergies. The Journey Summer School 4
Wait, there is more Agroecology has been used as a framework for promoting the right to food, according to a 2012 by the UN special rapporteur. With all the imbalance caused by the agriindustrial model, agroecology as a science, practice and social movement, is offering an alternative that focuses on smallholders. The Journey Summer School 5
Innovation Application of technical, organizational, or other forms of knowledge to achieve positive novel changes in a particular situation. Czech Conroy, 2008 Technological Societal e.g. Peasant to Peasant Institutional. Creating linkages between producers and service provides/consumers. The Journey Summer School 6
Innovations are not necessarily new The Journey Summer School 7
MILPAS in Mexico The Journey Summer School 8
Rice, ducks, azola and fish in China The Journey Summer School 9
Boars and acorn trees The Journey Summer School 10
Landscape management in rice plantations, the Philippennes The Journey Summer School 11
And vineyards in Cinque terre in Italy. The Journey Summer School 12
Introducing the Five seeds of disruption Source: Presentation by Miriam Leuk Avery The Journey Summer School 13
PRODUCTION Core strategy Diversity for resilience Intercropping, agroforestry, cover crops, push-pull. Maintaining population balance between pests-natural enemies. Seeds: Selected by farmers. Maintaining soil fertility through soil microbiota and managing Organic matter. 14
Agroforestry The Journey Summer School 15
Diversity per se is not the goal The Journey Summer School 16
EATING Core strategy Seasonality Eating seasonal, culturally/territorially embedded diet. Adequate portions. 18
DISTRIBUTION Core strategy Producer-Consumer partnetship Participatory guarantee systems Community cupported agriculture Urban farming (allotment plots) 19
Participatory guarantee systems The Journey Summer School 20
MANUFACTURING core strategy Preserve with minimal processing 21
Fermentation: minimal processing The Journey Summer School 22
Preserves from Potager du Roi, Versailles. The Journey Summer School 23
SHOPPING core strategy: Know your producer Farmers markets Alternative food networks Farm to Fork 24
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Farmers market in Porto Alegre, Brasil. The Journey Summer School 26
OTHER DISRUPTIONS Core strategy: return to the roots! 27
Health care: Grønn omsorg! The Journey Summer School 28
Research: Modern science in synergy with traditional knowledge The Journey Summer School 29
Is it realistic? The Journey Summer School 30
Real challenge: From end users of knowledge to contributors in the knowledge lifecycle The Journey Summer School 31
QUESTIONS? Btw thank you for listening and enjoy your lunch The Journey Summer School 32