Agroecological production experiences in four agricultural regions of Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To analyze experiences with various activities and practices carried out in different agroecologicalregions of Mexico, involving diverse crops, but excluding the use of chemicals.Design/Methodology/Approach: Surveys were conducted in four agricultural regions of Mexico (Texcoco,Estado de México; Vicente Guerrero, Tlaxcala; Michoacan; and Tetela del Volcán, Morelos); they tackled abroad description, background, inputs, and agroecological practices, in order to enable a descriptive analysis.Results: Out of all the agroecological units, 60% are ejidos and 40% are small private properties. Producersare between 25 and 68 years old. Plots range from 0.50 to 20 ha. The main crops are corn (Zea mays ssp. mays)and avocado (Persea americana Mill.). Forty-five percent of the crops are rainfed and 36% are irrigated/rainfed.Half of the producers perform crop rotation, while 40% prefers crop association. After 15 years of experience,the number of producers who did not use chemical herbicides increased from 59% to 95%. Crop nutrition isbased on such elements as compost (27%) and manure (23%). Fifty percent of the producers manage pests anddiseases through agroecological practices. Sixty-eight-point-two percent receive technical advice, while 77.3%are familiar with the decree to phase out the use of glyphosate.Study Limitations/Implications: Currently, 13.6% of producers are still transitioning and continue toperform chemical control of pests and diseases, as well as chemical fertilization.Findings/Conclusions: It is indeed possible to produce crops and obtain healthy food while caring forbiodiversity, making use of environmental-friendly local resources, and achieving soil conservation.