Building Resilience through Ecological Agriculture
Ecological agriculture, also sometimes referred to as agroecology in academic circles, is the basis of USC Canada’s approach. Ecological agriculture is a way of producing food that respects nature and biodiversity. It blends the eco-friendly practices of small scale family farms with principles of today’s ecological sciences. Working with nature, farmers build independence from costly external seeds and inorganic inputs that are often counterproductive.
USC Canada’s approach recognizes that farmers are local experts. They play as important a role in enhancing productivity as agricultural scientists. Through our programs, participating farmers and scientists work hand-in-hand.
Producers read their landscapes, weather patterns and natural resources carefully –they know the land. With this knowledge, these producers are broadening the diversity of their plant genetic resources. In managing this diversity, farmers are building a production system that is better able to withstand our changing climate and the variability, shocks and extreme weather events it bring with it. A better production system today means food security in their communities tomorrow.
We recognize that traditional local crop varieties are more affordable, often more nutritious and better adapted to challenging growing conditions than varieties not native to a region. Conserving these varieties through use and plant selection is vital to the survival of our planet’s biodiversity.
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