Farmers Adopt Agroecology to Combat Soil Degradation and Climate Change

José María Morelos, Mexico – The adoption of agroecological practices is advancing among agricultural producers as an alternative to address soil degradation, increased pests, and the effects of climate change on traditional production systems, particularly in corn and bean crops.

This was stated by Ana Karina Uc Argüelles, a member of the Environmental Services Producers Network, who explained that the organization promotes regenerative agriculture and agroecological programs with the goal of strengthening the resilience of production systems and recovering soil health.

She detailed that they currently work with three production systems: traditional milpa and mechanized areas of corn and beans, where they promote practices aimed at moisture retention, organic pest control, and reducing the use of chemical inputs.

Among the actions being developed are the use of compost, bio-inputs, specific microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, in addition to the upcoming reactivation of a bio-input production unit, which will allow producers from different communities to have alternatives for pest management.

Uc Argüelles indicated that the network groups 36 ejidos and currently provides coverage to about 70 producers, a number that has been increasing due to growing interest, mainly in mechanized agriculture areas, in transitioning toward more sustainable and less agrochemical-dependent schemes.

Finally, she considered that the trend toward agroecology will continue to strengthen, both due to the push of institutional programs and the need to adapt to changes in rainfall and drought patterns, factors that already directly impact agricultural production.