'Agroecology' is showing the way ahead for farming's future
It is good to see the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust leading the way in new research into achieving optimum production alongside increased greening, writes Tim Main.
Agroecology is the buzz word of the future.
The role of agroecology in sustainable intensification is launched in a new report which highlights a way which is better for wildlife, crop production, soil and water, as well as people. Dr Alastair Leake, of the GWCT, together with the Organic Research Centre has spearheaded the review.
The report covers big issues and takes a close look at the relationship between sustainable intensification and agroecology. An important element of the report is the review of agricultural systems, which involved a systematic comparison of the performance of conventional, integrated and organic farming techniques, based on a detailed literature review and contact with experts.
Alastair Leake says: "The report is very much knowledge and evidenced-based. We believe that agroecology has the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable intensification but sharing this knowledge will be crucial. Labelling different farming methods into organic, integrated or conventional is not helpful. Good farming practice is good farming practice and we should share that knowledge together. We all have much to learn."
Integrated farm management was developed in response to some of the pest, weed and disease problems that had arisen from the simplification of crop rotations. The loss of key pesticides and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds mean that IFM has become a necessity for many farmers.
Dr Leake concludes: "We have reached the point where we need to manage our wildlife and environment while feeding our people, but to do it better for both. Agroecology certainly shows a way forward. But we need to make the adoption of agroecological practices by farmers easy, and seen as appealing, practical and profitable for them."
This unique new partnership called 'agroecology' will advance this approach using the website-based project to bring together key research evidence and translate this into easy-to-understand advice. This will be followed up with practical workshops where the experts and interested farmers can develop their knowledge and experience together.
We are incredibly lucky in Shropshire to have diverse landscapes and therefore farming practices. This should put us ahead of the game when it comes to embracing the roll-out of agroecology.
* Tim Main is chairman of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
