Uniting voices for Agroecology: a continental wave
In a context marked by growing concerns about the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, comorbidities associated with junk food consumption, and social inequality, the search for sustainable alternatives in food production has gained greater importance. Both rural and urban communities are feeling the adverse impacts of conventional agricultural models, which has spurred the emergence of diverse agroecological movements as a comprehensive and transformative response.
In this scenario, the CLACSO Working Group on Political Agroecology The group has participated in three key events held in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. At the 12th Brazilian Congress of Agroecology, the 3rd Argentine Congress of Agroecology, and the International Conference on Food Self-Sufficiency and Agroecology in Mexico, the group contributed its experience and perspective to building a strong and diverse agroecological movement in Latin America. These gatherings provided a crucial space for reflection and the exchange of ideas on promoting fair and sustainable food systems, conserving agricultural and biocultural biodiversity, and developing agroecological public policies. Extensive discussions focused on the importance of strengthening community participation, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and recognizing local knowledge in building resilient and equitable food systems. The final declarations of these events underscored the urgent need to promote agroecology as a comprehensive approach to addressing current challenges in food production and consumption. Emphasis has been placed on the need for public policies that support the transition to fair and sovereign agroecological food systems, the protection of genetic and cultural diversity, and the strengthening of territorial food sovereignty of diverse communities.
The 12th Brazilian Congress of Agroecology (XII CBA), held in Rio de Janeiro in late 2023 under the theme "Agroecology in the Mouth of the People," highlighted the importance of agroecology both in feeding the population and in the Brazilian public debate. This event marked a year after a significant political shift in Brazil and coincided with President Lula's third term. Organized by the Brazilian Association of Agroecology (ABA), the congress was conceived as an extended process involving articulation, collective construction, and the strengthening of agroecological networks as an ongoing endeavor. The event resulted in a massive gathering of approximately 10,000 people from various regions of the country, members of diverse organizations and grassroots movements from both rural and urban areas. This congress undoubtedly marked a milestone in the popularization of Brazilian and Latin American-Caribbean agroecology. For its part, the III Argentine Congress of Agroecology, held in the Andean Region of Parallel 42º in Patagonia, constituted a milestone in a context of political and social uncertainty in Argentina due to the arrival of the Milei government.
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and territories marked by the struggle for their common resources, the event brought together more than a thousand people from across the country, including producers, government officials, scientists, and students, to share experiences and knowledge about agroecology. The active participation of young people was particularly noteworthy, driven by the increase in academic programs in agroecology and the impact of the pandemic on consumption and environmental awareness. Prominent figures from the international academic community contributed to the discussion. Crucial topics such as the socio-environmental crisis, the conservation of native seeds, food sovereignty, and public policy were addressed, highlighting the importance of agrarian reform and a social perspective within agroecology. The event culminated in joyful celebrations that, in the face of an ultraconservative and unpopular government, reflected the need for connection and strength in challenging times.
Finally, the International Conference on Food Self-Sufficiency and Agroecology in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, held in late November and early December 2023, marked a milestone in the official search for sustainable solutions for food systems at the national, regional, and global levels. Organized by more than 40 organizations under the auspices of the federal government, the event brought together 1700 people and was notable for its comprehensive approach, addressing the agroecological transition and the fight against the use of agrochemicals and genetically modified organisms as two of its key principles. The diversity of participants reflected a consensus on the need to adopt agroecological practices and public policies that support food self-sufficiency. The "Oaxaca Declaration" highlights the commitment to a more just and sustainable food future, serving as a framework for action for governments and communities worldwide. In the context of a constantly evolving multipolar world, the conference underscored the importance of international cooperation and the movement towards an agroecology that transcends agriculture to reshape the
human relationships with nature and with each other.
In summary, the three meetings described above, which took place in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico during the second half of 2023, along with others held in our region throughout that year, demonstrate the extensive progress of Latin American agroecologies. Some have emerged within the context of popular governments, while others have entrenched themselves under adverse circumstances due to the rise of anti-popular governments. Despite these diverse situations, horizontal and vertical scaling has allowed for significant and strategic advancements that now play a crucial role in agroecological practice in our region. Some of these advancements are expanding, while others remain dormant, but all contribute to the widespread realization of civilizational and food-related horizons based on agroecological principles as a way out of the deepening global crisis. This is undoubtedly great news for the movement for food and territorial sovereignty championed by our peoples, highlighting the crucial role of women, Indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and their peers, peasants, and young people in both urban and rural areas. The Latin American agroecological movement is going strong. This review attests to that.
Finally, our commitment as the Political Agroecology Group – CLACSO – to promoting agroecology as a transformative alternative in the food sector is underscored by our participation in these key events. This participation contributes to the generation of critical knowledge, the integration of political considerations into social practice, and the building of strategic alliances at the regional and international levels. All of this aims to maintain the development of just, sustainable, and equitable food systems worldwide, starting with our own home. In this sense, we believe that agroecology not only seeks to transform food systems but also to reconfigure human relationships with nature and with one another. Thus, we assert that agroecology is political, or it is not agroecology at all!
Links
XII Brazilian Congress of Agroecology – https://cba.aba-agroecologia.org.br/leia-a-carta-politica-do-12o-congresso-brasileiro-de-agroecologia/
III Argentine Congress of Agroecology – https://incupo.org.ar/iii-congreso-de-agroecologia-hacia-una-agricultura-respetuosa-del-ambiente-y-de-las-culturas-campesinas/
International Conference on Food Self-Sufficiency and Agroecology in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico - https://www.biodiversidad.gob.mx/planeta/Conagro2023/comunicados.html
March 13th 2024
CLACSO Working Group
Political Agroecology
This text expresses the position of CLACSO Working Group on Political Agroecology and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
