It is known that conventional agriculture with the use of inputs and agrochemicals is not sustainable in time, causing numerous problems such as contamination of food, people and environment. Thus, agriculture must adapt to cause the least possible impact to the environment and to human beings. In this context, agroecology enters as an alternative to conventional production, being a production system more ecologically correct, not allowing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Agroecological and organic systems are responsible for the production of food with less use of inputs external to the property, requiring a more efficient management of the vegetation cover and nutrient cycling. In addition, the use of genetically modified organism (GMO) is not allowed in agroecology, and crops of commercial interest such as corn are widely sold with these technologies, in this sense landraces seeds are an interesting option for this type of agriculture. Agroecology allows the production of safer food, resulting in more food security for the producer and consumer. Even though agriculture is more environmentally friendly, many challenges are faced by producers, fragile legislation, lack of products and specific technical assistance and marketing. In this sense, this book will seek to discuss the main aspects related to agroecology and the challenges it faces such as commercialization, certification, the importance of agrobiodiversity for agroecology, on crops and food security, social organizations that promote and encourage this type of agriculture, biological control in agroecology, homeopathy and food security.
It was a great pleasure to know about the present work that seeks to re-establish the link between human life and living soil, its ecological relations, bringing experiences of family producers from southern Brazil and other Brazilian regions, populations linked to land and nature. As well as current legislation, the important activities of NGOs, organic certifications, biodiversity, agroforestry systems, the use of microorganisms, homeopathy. Surely this work will interest readers who have already realized that they need to improve their way of seeing and practicing agricultural activity in an ecosystemic, syntropic, holistic, resilient, natural context, with its numerous environmental services essential to ensure superior life, including ours. - Ana Primavesi, Agronomist, Retired Teacher at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Agroecological Consultant Patron of Agroecology in Brazil
"While Latin America remains (largely) "enferma de tranquilidad" about the increasing use of pesticides, this book is important because it shows that there is another way to reduce environmental contamination and protect people's health. This way is agroecology." - Rodrigo Valdez de Oliveira, Coordinator of Gaucho Forum against the impacts of pesticides / FGCIA, Brazil Federal Prosecutor
This magnificent work was born in the cradle of the United Soybean Republic in disputed territories. In it, you understand the diametrical and temporal between the near and distant future. - Sebastião Pinheiro, Professor Juquira Candiru Satyagraha
