Agroecological knowledge and ethnoecology in field education in times of pandemic. (Special Issue: Saberes agroecologicos e sistemas alimentares na America Latina e Caribe.) [Portuguese]

The purpose of this communication is to socialize the action-research process conceived and developed in the context of training teachers of the Degree in Field Education with a qualification in Natural Sciences at the Federal University of Reconcavo da Bahia (UFRB). Based on the assumptions of the Pedagogy of Alternation, Agroecology and Ethnoecology, crossed by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was possible to collectively develop a teaching project through research that resulted in the elaboration and socialization of educommunicative materials for rural schools - documentary video on the bata do bean, podcast on the agroecological management of cassava and virtual didactic herbarium, among others. The mobilization of agroecological knowledge in the context of the aforementioned project establishes a propositional dialogue, taking into account that training by area of knowledge in Field Education aims to contribute with new strategies for selecting content, which makes Agroecology and the modes of appropriation of agroecosystems essential elements for analysis, planning and pedagogical guidance.

Training and learning needs for MSc programs in Sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is urgently needed to promote conservation and sustainable resources use in an equitable manner through integrated management of land, water, energy and biodiversity. In this way, education in agriculture emerges as a crucial tool for preparing agricultural technicians, researchers and farmers for productive contributions. Higher education institutions arise with an important mission of education in the context of social transformation and to integrate sustainable development into the educational system as a scientific subject. The aim of this study was to identify the training and learning needs to be included in a MSc program in sustainable agriculture. It was based on a questionnaire prepared and distributed to academics' experts in Agrarian Sciences in Greece, Italy and Portugal. Technologies, legislation, management and business, local community leadership and marketing were the training needs considered very important expertise's in sustainable agriculture. Traditional face-to-face learning, experienced farmers as mentors and knowledge sharing mechanisms were rated as very applicable and important. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, online learning methods, which were not considered suitable for a MSc program in sustainable agriculture, became important by providing online education. Information and communication technology and technological tools showed to be important skills for sustainable agricultural practices to effectively implement online learning and to improve the efficient access, exposure and use of up-to-date information of the agricultural sector and awareness of sustainable agricultural practices.

Research update: "Growing" sustainable horticulture farmers

Various extension programs across the country offer educational and practical opportunities for new and beginning farmers. In recent years, Louisiana has experienced a boom in horticultural farm businesses managed by new and beginning farmers. Though access to land and credit are often cited as two primary challenges that new and beginning farmers face, access to market channels and business management skills are also key to building sustainable farm businesses. Moreover, strong social networks where new and beginning farmers can freely exchange ideas, network, share resources, and provide trainings are essential to the development of new and beginning farmers. This research focuses primarily on horticulture farmers' perceptions of business management skills and risk management. We used data collected as a part of the evaluation program for the Grow Louisiana Beginning Farmer Training Program (Grow Louisiana), an extension program offered by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. Grow Louisiana is a partnership of academic, cooperative extension, and nonprofit organizations to train fruit and vegetable farmers with less than 10 years of experience on small to mid-size farms in Louisiana. Focused on the southeastern region of Louisiana, the program emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and local food systems. The year-long program offers participants training in whole-farm planning and risk management based on the following principles: (i) sustainable agriculture and business practices, (ii) resource optimization, (iii) objective decision making, and (iv) efficient work practices. The program trained 16 farmers per year and apart from educational training, promotes networking and mentoring among farmers across the state. This study used a mixed methods approach to analyze program evaluation data from the 3-year program (2018-2021). The first year the program was offered in person, the second year moved to a hybrid model when measures were taken to address participant safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the third year was completed mostly online. Data were collected pre- and postprogram through needs assessments, interviews, and focus groups with participants. Findings add to existing literature and highlight the importance of business and marketing planning in the development and training of new and beginning farmers. Moreover, the study provides useful information for extension practices considering the variety of methods of delivery by year (i.e., in person, hybrid, online).

Connecting with small scale, urban, hobby, and community garden farmers through video mediums and Facebook live

Small scale producers often visit non-science-based websites in search of general and specific information about horticulture and livestock, disease and pest pressure and cultural conditions required to grow crops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, alternative educational outreach was required to continue supporting the needs of agricultural producers. Several Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Agents teamed up and utilized Facebook Live or posted videos on their county Facebook page to reach wide range of urban and rural small-farm producers on an array of agricultural topics. Using this platform gives exposure to science-based information on social media platforms where many producers are already active. An added benefit to using Facebook Live and videos is that community gardeners and home gardeners can access the same information, which provides them with tools for increased success in growing food for home consumption. From zero downloads in March 2020, the downloads grew to more than 6000 views by August 2020. As of August 2020, 21% (n = 1207) of the viewers engaged in comments and 12% (n = 146) the viewers who commented requested additional information. Many growers have expressed their appreciation for the information in this alternative teaching style.

THE ECONOMIC PAMPHLETEER: realities of regenerative agriculture. (Special Issue: The impact of COVID-19 on the food system.)

This article talks about the challenges and importance of regenerative agriculture. The author redefines regenerative agriculture in reference to what the farmers really experience in present days. As with sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture must not only meet the needs of people as consumers but also as producers/farmers and members of civil society. Regenerative farms that fail to meet these needs will not be widely adopted by farmers or sustained by the societies in which they function. A sustainable regenerative agriculture must be socially responsible and economically viable as well as ecologically regenerative. In conclusion, the author says that the regenerative potential of communities and societies depends on their willingness and ability to make it economically feasible for farmers to create and sustain negentropic farming systems. People can increase the usefulness of energy and transform solar energy into electricity. People can also increase the efficiency of food processing and distribution. But people cannot transform solar energy into food. People, including farmers,must be willing to confront the inconvenient realities of regenerative agriculture.

Challenges and opportunities for a sustainable agriculture in the context of the green and digital twin transition. How can we increase the resilience of the agriculture in the current context?

The climate changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic most recently have generated an increase interest and support for the topic of agricultural resilience. First of all the European Union Member States have discovered that the current pandemic has generated immense troubles in both the supply chains (that were often over extended and vulnerable) and the supply of the population inside the EU. This only added to the troubles generated already by climate changes (draughts, water shortages, extreme climate variations, etc.) All these acted like a wakeup call for the policy makers and other stakeholders. We have started to realise that we need to build up a resilient agricultural system that can sustain all the citizens involved. This resilience building process is a very complex and requires a lot of transversal actions and a whole-of-society approach. What is it needed? First of all we should innovate and train the farmers. Secondly we should developed the local and national infrastructure needed for agriculture. The use of financial instruments and institutional mechanisms are also needed to support the farmers. All these measure should be taken only after a thorough research process that draws a map of the realities in place, of the upcoming challenges and of the measures needed to solve them.

From the agrochemical model to agroecology: the search for healthy and resilient food systems in times of COVID-19. (Edi....o Especial: Agroneg..cio em tempos de colapso planet..rio: abordagens cr..ticas.) [Portuguese]

The unexpected outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis calls for a more effective agroecological transition in the context of ongoing worldwide rural and urban development policies. To move onwards, a drastic reorientation of food production, distribution and consumption systems seems unavoidable. At first sight, this drive will require to set in motion five strategies: progressive abolition of pesticide use, enrichment of the ecological matrix, revitalization of small farm agriculture, diffusion of alternative animal production systems, and promotion of urban agriculture. In this article, the researchers offer a brief review of the potential of these agroecological initiatives. The researchers acknowledge that the new evidence of increasingly erratic climate events, along with the "new emerging pandemics" syndrome, is challenging the hegemony of the globalized agribusiness model. On the other hand, in dealing with such grave challenges facing humanity in the upcoming decades, there is an urgent need to promote coordinated actions leading to territorially-based agroecological systems.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA): significance and prospects for growth for individuals, communities, and food systems

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is an alternative way of supplying food based on direct interaction between producers and consumers. As an alternative food network (AFN) and a form of civic agriculture, it is considered a more sustainable way of food production and consumption compared to the conventional food system. The number of CSA initiatives has been increasing in the last few decades worldwide parallel to growing scholarly debates about its usefulness, viability and potential. This article contributes to the review of the following: The impacts of CSA on individuals and communities, including motives for involvement and benefits received;the impacts of CSA on food systems, particularly on sustainability;and the barriers and opportunities for CSA growth. We conclude that CSA addresses the needs for sustainable and ecologically sound food and contributes to community building by reconnecting urban and rural places and people with their food. It is also an active position against the unsustainable dominant food systems and shows a different way of caring for the planet and the people. However, in order to grow, CSA needs to overcome certain barriers, namely financial difficulties, unrealistic member expectations and the need for social justice by providing livelihoods for the farmers and becoming more inclusive in terms of race, income and gender. The COVID-19 crisis presented an opportunity for CSA to become more effective as the CSA initiatives demonstrated resilience during lockdowns and the demand for their products increased.