Alternative Farming Research Articles

Consumer strategies towards a more sustainable food system: insights from Switzerland

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo improve the sustainability performance of food systems, both consumption- and production-side changes are needed.ObjectivesTo this end, we assessed multiple sustainability impacts of 6 consumer strategies together with production-side aspects such as organic and circularity principles for Switzerland.MethodsTwo strategies encompassed dietary changes: following a pescetarian diet and adhering to the national dietary guidelines. Two strategies employed alternative farming systems: increasing the share of organic production and, in addition, applying the circularity principle of avoiding feed-food competition by limiting livestock feed to low-opportunity-cost biomass. A fifth strategy reduced food waste. The sixth strategy increased the share of domestic produce. For all strategies, we assessed greenhouse gas emissions, land use, nitrogen surplus, social risks, diet quality, and diet costs.ResultsThe strategies revealed trade-offs between impact categories, unless combined in a synergistic way. Whereas dietary changes towards more plant-based diets reduced environmental impacts (≤51%) and increased diet quality (≤57%), they increased social risks due to increased sourcing from contexts with potentially bad labor conditions (≤19%). Further, when the share of organic produce was increased, land use and dietary costs were increased (≤33% and ≤42%, respectively). The effect on land use could, however, be reversed when circularity principles were introduced in addition to the organic production standard, resulting in reductions for all environmental indicators (≤75%). Reducing food waste and increasing the share of domestic produce led to better sustainability performance as well, but at lower orders of magnitude.ConclusionsCombining all proposed strategies could lead to substantial favorable changes on all impact categories assessed, but would require a thorough transformation of the current food system. However, the sum of individual consumers each following only 1 of the strategies proposed would make an important contribution towards improving the sustainability performance of the Swiss food system.

Would transitioning from conventional to organic oat grains production reduce environmental impacts? A LCA case study in North-East Canada

Oat is mainly produced in northern latitude countries such as Canada, which is world's second largest producer. Hence it is necessary to study the environmental impacts of alternative farming systems to conventional oat production in order to improve its environmental performance. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to compare the environmental impacts and potential improvement opportunities of conventional and organic oat grain production using three different functional units (FU); per mass (t−1 of grains), surface area (ha−1) and gross sales income (1000 CAD−1). Most data were collected from a major farm located in Quebec, Canada. Our analysis shows that organic production is globally preferable based on the area and monetary FUs, whereas conventional production has lower impacts for 11 midpoint impact categories per ton of grain produced. In addition, organic production has higher damages on human health and ecosystem quality, both per ton of grain and per hectare. The relevance of each FU is discussed in the article. The hotspots of conventional oat production are the production and use of synthetic fertilizers, while those of organic oat production are the use of organic fertilizers and manure transportation. A sensitivity analysis showed that the choice of the N2O emission factor and phosphorus emission model considerably affects the magnitude of the impacts on climate change and freshwater eutrophication. Also, the implementation of green manure in the rotation system and the reduction of manure transport distances would significantly affect the results. In conclusion, our LCA case study does not support the idea that converting conventional oat grain production to organic agriculture would systematically decrease environmental impacts in eastern Canada. The environmental benefits largely depend on specific farmer practices and regional context.

Influence of Agricultural Practices on Bacterial Community of Cultivated Soils

Bacterial communities play an important role in maintaining stable functioning of soil ecosystems, participating in decomposition of plant residues, accumulation of organic matter, formation of soil aggregates and in the cycle of nutrients. For agroecosystems, maintaining the diversity of microbiocenosis is especially critical because they are essentially less stable and are dependent on external control. The agricultural practices used today (plowing, application of synthetic fertilizers) can negatively affect the richness and diversity of the soil bacterial communities. The solution to this problem may be the application of alternative farming methods to preserve the structural and functional richness of soil (reduced tillage, conservation tillage, no tillage, organic farming). Data on composition and diversity of soil microbiocenosis are important for further forecasting the impact of agriculture and development of effective methods on preserving and increasing soil fertility. This review presents the results of recent studies on the impact of agriculture on the soil bacterial communities. Attention is mainly paid to the effects of applying inorganic and organic fertilizers on the structure and diversity of soil microbiocenosis; the influence of the farming system (different methods of soil cultivation, organic and traditional systems); the influence of cover crops and crop rotation on the microbial community of agricultural soils.

Biomolecules, Fatty Acids, Meat Quality, and Growth Performance of Slow-Growing Chickens in an Organic Raising System.

Simple SummaryThe increasing demand for nutritionally rich quality products by health-conscious consumers has raised the need to explore alternative farming systems such as organic farming. In this study, we report the efficiency of Korat chickens grown in organic farm conditions. The study demonstrates not only that the slow-growing Korat chicken is suitable for organic farming, but also that the organic raising system improves its growth performance and meat quality. Furthermore, the study unveils a set of biochemical traits using synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared that show significant differences between the meat quality of chickens raised under conventional and organic raising systems, suggesting their potential use as markers to monitor the meat quality. The findings of this study provide evidence for the potential of organic raising systems for commercial adoption in tropical areas such as Southeast Asia.This study was to determine the effect of the organic raising system (OR) on growth performance, meat quality, and physicochemical properties of slow-growing chickens. Three hundred and sixty (one-day-old) Korat chickens (KRC) were randomly assigned to control (CO) and OR groups. The groups comprised six replicates of thirty chickens each. The chickens were housed in indoor pens (5 birds/m2), wherein those in OR had free access to Ruzi pasture (1 bird/4 m2) from d 21 to d 84 of age. In the CO group, chickens were fed with a mixed feed derived from commercial feedstuffs, while those in the OR group were fed with mixed feed derived from organic feedstuffs. The results revealed a lower feed intake (p < 0.0001) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.004) in the OR. The OR increased total collagen, protein, shear force, color of skin and meat, and decreased abdominal fat (p < 0.05). The OR improved fatty acid with increased DHA, n-3 PUFA, and decreased the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA in KRC meat (p < 0.05). The synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and correlation loading analyses confirmed these results. In conclusion, our results proved that OR could improve growth performance and meat quality and suggested the raising system be adopted commercially. In addition, the observed differences in biochemical molecules could also serve as markers for monitoring meat quality.

Soil Microbiomes in Apple Orchards Are Influenced by the Type of Agricultural Management but Never Match the Complexity and Connectivity of a Semi-natural Benchmark.

Conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural land may strongly affect the soil microbiome and the functioning of the soil ecosystem. Alternative farming systems, such as organic farming, have therefore been advocated to reduce this impact, yet the outcomes of different agricultural management regimes often remain ambiguous and their evaluations mostly lack a proper more natural benchmark. We used high-throughput amplicon sequencing, linear models, redundancy analyses, and co-occurrence network analyses to investigate the effect of organic and integrated pest management (IPM) on soil fungal and bacterial communities in both the crop and drive rows of apple orchards in Belgium, and we included semi-natural grasslands as a benchmark. Fungi were strongly influenced by agricultural management, with lower diversity indices and distinct communities in IPM compared to organic orchards, whereas IPM orchards had a higher AMF abundance and the most complex and connected fungal communities. Bacterial diversity indices, community composition, and functional groups were less affected by management, with only a higher network connectivity and abundance of keystone taxa in organic drive rows. On the other hand, none of the agricultural soil microbiomes matched the complexity and connectedness of our semi-natural benchmark, demonstrating that even more nature-friendly agricultural management practices strongly affect the soil microbiome and highlighting the essential role of (semi-)natural systems as a harbor of robust and functionally diverse fungal and bacterial communities.

Performance Analysis of Dairy Farms Transitioning to Environmentally Friendly Grazing Practices: The Case Study of Santa Catarina, Brazil

The conflict between food production and environmental conservation demands alternative agriculture practices to maintain or increase food production, protect and restore critical ecosystem processes, and reduce dependence on non-renewable agricultural inputs. Deforestation in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, for which agriculture has been a primary driver, already threatens the biome’s impressive biodiversity and the ecosystem services it helps sustain. Many small family farmers in Santa Catarina—located in the South of Brazil—have adopted the Voisin Rational Grazing System (VRG) as an alternative to conventional and environmentally detrimental dairy activities. This article presents the results of a research project designed to analyze the economic, social, and ecological VRG impacts based on farmers’ perceptions and economic accounts. We compare farmer profitability and critical social and environmental aspects of both systems using detailed interviews and monthly accounting of revenues and expenditures on VRG and conventional farms. We found that VRG is more profitable than the conventional dairy system in Santa Rosa de Lima. However, most farmers combine VRG with some conventional practices, affecting profitability and potential ecological benefits. The adoption of VRG in Santa Rosa de Lima nonetheless correlates with reduced use of environmentally harmful inputs, compatible with a gradual transition to a more ecologically-friendly and sustainable system.

How to make regenerative practices work on the farm: A modelling framework

CONTEXTWell-managed agricultural land can provide ecosystem services and contribute positively to the environment. Many of these services are mediated through the soil and are referred to as soil functions. Regenerative agriculture is a mode of agriculture that uses soil conservation as the entry point to regenerate and contribute to these ecosystem services, with the aspiration that this will enhance not only environmental, but also social and economic dimensions of food production. OBJECTIVEThe main objective of this paper is to create a modelling framework which allows the ex-ante redesign of diverse farming systems and assessment of ecosystem services associated with regenerative agriculture in diverse pedo-climatic conditions. METHODSWithin this modelling framework we combined two models (Soil Navigator (SN) and FarmDESIGN (FD)) to consider soil attributes at the field-scale and environmental and socio-economic outcomes at farm-scale. We used a Dutch dairy-farm as case-study to demonstrate how this framework can be used to assess associated ecosystem services and explore alternative farm configurations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSCombining SN with FD indicated what ecosystem services could be improved in a local context. Together these models help to evaluate the impact of soil management practices as the basis for exploring the overall socio-economic and environmental sustainability of our dairy case-study farm. For our dairy case-study farm, we found a set of management practices that delivered four out of the five functions at a high capacity, at the expense of primary productivity (from high to medium) and farm profitability (from 55,620 to 40,720 € yr−1). The decline in primary productivity, however, causes an improvement in other ecosystem services such as, climate regulation (increased from medium to high) and the soil organic matter surplus (increased with 7%). While this study successfully demonstrated an initial combination of SN and FD models for the ex-ante redesign and assessment of farming systems towards regenerative agriculture, further model development is essential to widen the applicability of this study to include emerging farming practices and new indicators of sustainability that are measured over a longer period. SIGNIFICANCEFor regenerative agriculture to be meaningful for diverse farming systems, we need methods that give insight into the efficacy of regenerative management to meet multiple ecosystem services within local contexts. As such, our modelling framework can be used by researchers as a tool to help various stakeholders to assess and redesign farms based on the objectives of regenerative agriculture.

The concurrent assessment of agronomic, ecological and environmental variables enables better choice of agroecological service crop termination management

Abstract Although organic farming was originally promoted as an alternative farming system to address agronomic, environmental and ecological issues, its conventionalisation has led to an intensification and specialisation of production. In the light of this, several studies have questioned the environmental benefits of organic farming as well as its agronomic viability. Thus, there is a need to improve organic vegetable systems to reduce their environmental impact without affecting their productivity. To tackle this challenge, European farmers and researchers have recently started to focus on agroecological service crops (ASCs). However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated the agronomic, environmental and ecological aspects of ASC management under different European pedo‐climatic conditions. We evaluated effects of the ASC management strategies—no‐till roller crimping (NT‐RC) and green manuring (T‐GM) on cropping system performance using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators—to exemplify the need for multidimensional analysis to understand management implications for addressing environmental and agronomic challenges. We combined the results from 11 organic vegetable field trials conducted in seven European countries over a period of 2 years to test for general trends. Our results provide solid evidence that NT‐RC management across different pedo‐climatic conditions in Europe enhances the activity density of ground and rove beetles and improves both the potential energy recycling within the system and weed control. However, in NT‐RC plots, lower cash crop yield and quality, energetic efficiency of production and activity density of spiders were observed compared to T‐GM. Synthesis and applications. Multidimensional analyses using agronomic, environmental and ecological indicators are required to understand the implications of agricultural management in agroecosystem functioning. Introducing agroecological service crops combined with the use of no‐till roller crimping is a promising strategy for improving agronomic performance (e.g. fewer weeds) and reducing environmental (e.g. increasing the potentially recyclable energy) and ecological (e.g. enhancing the activity density of beneficial taxa such as ground and rove beetles) impacts. However, our study also indicates a need for agronomic and environmental improvements while promoting a wider acceptance of this strategy.

Decolonizing agriculture in the United States: Centering the knowledges of women and people of color to support relational farming practices.

While the agricultural knowledges and practices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and women have shaped agriculture in the US, these knowledges have been colonized, exploited, and appropriated, cleaving space for the presently dominant white male agricultural narrative. Simultaneously, these knowledges and practices have been transformed to fit within a society that values individualism, production, efficiency, and profit. The authors use a decolonial Feminist Political Ecology framework to highlight the ways in which the knowledges of Indigenous, Black, and women farmers have been and are being colonized; a tradition that makes alternative agriculture a predominantly white space. The authors interviewed 10 BIPOC and women farmers in Colorado to understand what values and knowledges were shaping their often-appropriated agricultural practices. Three themes emerged: people, place, and patterns. By centering these values, farmers create relational agricultural practices that support the well-being of human and more-than-human beings. To support the widespread implementation of these practices, food systems practitioners must elevate the voices and knowledges of historically excluded farmers. Only then can truly just and equitable alternative agricultural practices be realized in the US.

The Influence of Ecologised Fertiliser Systems on the Elements of Fertility and Productivity of Winter Wheat

One of the strategic areas for the development of modern agriculture is the use of ecologised fertiliser systems composed based on the straw of agricultural crops with the addition of microbiological, humus or chelated fertilisers. This will allow restoring natural resources and getting environmentally friendly products. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of ecologised fertiliser systems on the physical and chemical processes and nitrogen regime of grey forest soil, the development of bio-productivity of winter wheat, and the content of basic microelements in grain. The following methods were used in the research: field, laboratory-analytical, mathematical-statistical. Application of N30P45K45 against the background of pea straw with the addition of a biostimulator and humus fertiliser mostly demonstrated modern approaches to technologies for managing the fertility of grey forest soils based on the principles of environmental safety and resource conservation. Such a fertiliser system provided alkalinisation of the soil solution, optimisation of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ content, improvement of the soil nitrogen regime. Under such conditions, optimal parameters of the production process elements (the number and mass of grains in the head) were formed. The most effective in the processes of accumulation of microelements was the organo-mineral system of the following composition: pea straw + N30R45K45 + chelated fertiliser. No excess of the maximum permissible concentration for Cu, Zn, Mn, or Fe was detected. Thus, to harmonise the ecological and productive functions of grey forest soil in the winter wheat cultivation system, a combination of alternative agriculture, which consists in reducing the use of mineral fertilisers, and partial biologisation, is considered promising. This is a way to optimise soil fertility and bio-productivity

Improving Hill Farming: From Maize Monocropping to Alternative Cropping Systems in the Thai Highlands

Lately, the Hill Pond Rice System (HPRS) is being promoted as a form of alternative farming systems in selected northern provinces of Thailand, in which the land conversion is designed to maximize rainwater harvesting in farmland consisting of forest trees, water reservoirs, paddy fields, and high-value crop cultivation to serve environmental and livelihood needs. This study employed the double-hurdle model and the tobit technique to investigate the farm-level factors associated with land conversion from maize monocropping to the HPRS using primary data collected from 253 households in Nan, Chiang Mai, Tak, and Lampang Provinces. It was found that education, farming knowledge, understanding benefits of the HPRS, access to water sources, access to advis, and workforce sharing raised the likelihood and extent of farmland conversion into the HPRS. In contrast, perceived complexity of the HPRS, experiences with negative shocks, and land tenure security lowered the likelihood and extent of land conversion. The findings suggest that on-farm collective action should be promoted to mitigate labor constraints in implementation and that access to equipment should be enhanced through HPRS advisors’ visits.

Organic farming enhances soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in oil palm crops from Southeast Amazon

ABSTRACT The expansion of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq, Arecaceae) crops threatens tropical rainforests. It negatively impacts a series of ecosystem services and functions, including carbon (C) sequestration and dynamics, as well as nutrient cycling. Such negative impacts have pressured companies to adopt conservationist practices in palm oil production. And yet the conversion from conventional to organic farming has gained space in the last decade, studies assessing the effects of organic oil palm crops on ecosystem functioning are still scarce. Here, we assessed how alternative farming practices affect organic matter dynamics in oil palm crops. We compared oil palm crops under conventional (CP) and organic (OP) farming in Southeast Amazon. We also sampled lowland dense ombrophilous forest (floresta densa de terra firme, FT) as reference. Soils were sampled at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depth intervals to determine soil physical–chemical properties and C and nitrogen (N) concentrations and stocks. The highest soil C and N concentrations were found at 0–10 cm interval in CP and OP. We detected no variation in soil C and N stocks within depth intervals in FT and CP, while OP had higher soil C and N stocks at the 0–10 cm interval. When comparing OP and CP crops, soil C concentrations and stocks did not vary within zones or depth intervals. All OP zones had higher soil N concentrations and stocks than their conventional counterparts, and we found a variation within depth intervals. Our results show that organic farming has positively influenced organic matter dynamics. Organic oil palm crops preserved and even increased C and N sequestration.

Poultry biodiversity for alternative farming systems development

Poultry biodiversity represents a key factor to improve poultry resilience and promote sustainable and low input farming systems. The EU and member states promote protection of livestock biodiversity and the development of alternative farming through funding projects such as “Local Chicken Breeds in Alternative Production Chain: Welfare, Quality and Sustainability” (funded by the Italian Ministry of Research and University). The aim of the present research was to identify among five different poultry genotypes Bionda Piemontese (BP), Robusta Maculata (RM), RM x Sasso (RMxS), BP x Sasso (BPxS) and a commercial hybrid (Ross 308) the best suitable breed in terms of productivity and welfare for alternative housing system. A total of 300 (60 x genotype), 21 days old male birds were randomly allotted in two housing systems: 1) standard intensive farming (controlled environment, 33 kg/m2 and standard diet) and 2) free-range (“natural” environmental conditions, 21 kg/m2, access to outdoor area and low-input diet). Slaughtering was performed at 81 days of age. During the trial, the productive performance and behaviour of the animals were evaluated. The housing system, the genotype and their interaction significantly affected many of the studied variables, showing broiler not the ideal genotype for extensive farming system, which is more suited for low/medium performance strains.

Разработка биосубстрата как стимулятора роста для выращивания органических видов сельскохозяйственных культур

Environmental pollution, the energy intensity of the production of mineral fertilizers, and the consequences of the globalization of the economy have led to the search for alternative farming systems focused on the biologization of agriculture, the development of environmentally friendly technologies for the cultivation of agricultural crops based on the use of modern forms of organic and bacterial fertilizers. A comprehensive solution to the problem of maintaining the balance of nutrients in the soil is the use of bioorganic fertilizers that combine the ability to improve the mineral nutrition of plants, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, as well as stimulate the growth and development of plants. In this paper, the growth-stimulating effect of biosubstrate on seeds of organic agricultural crops such as wheat, lentils, peas, and buckwheat is investigated. The object of research was a biosubstrate consisting of a biopreparation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae Z4 YRKM 0843, Lactobacillus casei 12/2C B-RKM 0844, Streptomyces collinus P1 Ac-RKM 0845) and cattle manure effluents. During laboratory research, the growth-stimulating effect of the biosubstrate on seed germination and their growth indicators was established. Namely, a 10% and 50% solution of the biosubstrate improved the germination and germination of seeds of agricultural plants more than a 25% solution. This biosubstrate can be recommended as an environmentally safe growth stimulator when growing organic types of agricultural plants. Thus, the use of bio-organic fertilizers based on growth-stimulating microorganisms in the cultivation of various crops reduces the chemical load on ecosystems and also leads to an increase in yields and the quality of environmentally friendly agricultural products.

Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptive Strategies on the Effects of Seasonal Rainfall Variability on Maize Yields in Nyeri County

Maize is the leading food crop produced in most parts of the world and a staple food crop in Kenya. Majority of the maize farmers are smallholders due to reduced land sizes as a result of land fragmentation. Maize farming is rain-fed making it more vulnerable to rainfall variability. Over the years, the farmers have increased their resilience and adaptive potential through indigenous knowledge so as to cope with the climate related risks. However, the increasing rainfall variability, frequency and more severe shocks likely surpass their current adaptive strategies. The study assessed existing adaptive strategies of the small-holder maize farmers in Kieni East sub-County in Nyeri Couny to the seasonal rainfall variability effects. The research adopted a mixed research design. Data was obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained using household structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive methods and presented using charts and tables. SWOT analysis analyzed several underlying aspects affecting maize farmers in the sub-County. The study found that the farmers have several specific adaptive strategies to the effects of seasonal rainfall variability at their disposal which include but not limited to the use of varieties of maize seeds, seeking training, water harvesting, use of manure and fertilizers. Farmers also respond to rainfall variability by planting maize varieties that are early maturing and drought resistant as well as engaging in alternative farming activities and other economic activities.

Diffusion of organic farming among Dutch pig farmers: An agent-based model

CONTEXTOrganic farming is an alternative for conventional farming practices with the potential to decrease negative externalities. Yet, in the Netherlands there has been a mismatch between societal preferences and farmer behaviour: despite increasing demand for organic pork meat, farmers feel peer pressure to remain conventional. Therefore, to understand diffusion of organic farming, one needs to consider social dynamics between farmers. OBJECTIVEThe aim of this research is to gain insight in the factors contributing to the diffusion of organic farming, by considering social interaction mechanisms, market price dynamics, and heterogeneity in farming styles. METHODSWe built an agent-based model of pig farmers differing in farm size and farming style (idealists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs) in a social-spatial network. They can convert from conventional to organic farming and back. Farmers can influence one another when they interact. This social influence is based on the social identity approach: Farmers who are similar in, among others, farming style converge in attitudes, while dissimilar farmers diverge in attitudes. The conventional meat price is volatile. The organic meat price fluctuates in accordance with supply. An exploratory analysis was performed on social influence parameters. Three social influence scenarios on the likelihood for influence in interaction were selected for local sensitivity analysis. The model run replicated 15 years and started with 16 organic farmers and 1958 conventional farmers. Model results were discussed with Dutch organic pork sector experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe results of the exploratory analysis are threefold. An increase in the likelihood of influence in interaction increases the number of organic farmers from 44 to 121 and diversifies the organic farmers from 98% idealists to 31% idealists, 49% craftsmen and 20% entrepreneurs. The most influential factor on diffusion of organic farming is the demand for organic pork meat. New entrants stimulate organic farming through a different farming style than their predecessor. Expert discussion on model results confirmed the importance of consumer demand and new entrants for understanding diffusion. SIGNIFICANCEThe social identity approach serves as a helpful framework to capture empirical and sociological knowledge. It reveals that farming styles of entrants contribute to the diversification of farming practices overall. For researchers and policy makers wishing to stimulate alternative farming practices, it is of interest to better understand this mechanism. In addition, we showed that those wishing to understand innovation in farming practices should look beyond farmer decision-making, by including market dynamics through consumer demand.

LAND USE OPTIMIZATION IN UKRAINE AT THE STAGE OF LAND MARKET FORMATION

In the context of the reform of the sale of agricultural land, the priority is to optimize land use, which is to find a balance of land that would meet their environmental, economic and social compliance with the functions of the agricultural sector. Two main approaches to the optimization process are considered. The first is by intensifying agriculture with significant energy costs, land depletion and the inevitable increase in environmental pressures. And the second is the gradual formation of a balanced agrosphere with alternative agriculture and environmentally friendly livestock.&#x0D; The structure of land plots in terms of regions of Ukraine, which in the conditions of the land market does not promote balanced land use, is analyzed. Acquired arable land will not be transferred to other categories of land at auctions, even if it is significantly degraded.&#x0D; When forming the pricing policy in the land sector, it is important to compare the value of arable land in Ukraine and European countries. This comparative analysis shows the underestimated value of arable land in Ukraine (the lowest figure in Europe is less than 1 thousand euros / ha) at the initial stage of sale. It is estimated that the six-year lease of arable land at this stage of land reform is more appropriate than their sale.&#x0D; The fact of plowing part of pastures under these conditions and increasing the share of arable land in river valleys, drained lands, etc. is alarming. According to the results of the calculations, Table 1 shows the value of arable land, pastures, hayfields by administrative regions. The comparative characteristic of agricultural lands on the available highly productive lands is carried out. The highest share of such lands in Ternopil, Poltava and Cherkasy oblasts was found out, which provides for their highest valuation.&#x0D; The created map diagram of the general cost assessment of agricultural lands demonstrates their land resource potential and reflects the spatial differentiation of this indicator by typological groups of regions. The authors analyzed the optimization model of land use in Ukraine, developed by a group of leading domestic scientists under the project "Sustainable Development Programs", and proposed to consider the category of productive lands as basic arable lands, the share of which in Ukraine is 44.8% of arable land.&#x0D; The directions of reforming land relations in Ukraine taking into account historical traditions and granting the highest status of the basic land user - the rural community are offered.&#x0D; At the same time to make calculations, based on the results of which to identify production types (specialization) of farms, which will be the most objective, as it takes into account local natural and economic conditions;&#x0D; - on the basis of specialization of peasant farms, study of types of land use in enterprises of various forms of ownership and data on natural land fertility to perform agricultural zoning of the territory;&#x0D; - in each allocated agricultural area, the whole array of land in use, divided into at least 3 groups:&#x0D; 1) lands of peasant farms, which over time should be granted the right of life ownership with the possibility of inheritance and on which the state should support non-profit, subsistence farming;&#x0D; 2) lands withdrawn from agricultural circulation due to the destruction of their natural fertility and those to be transferred to the nature reserve fund, and, over time, included in the national ecological network;&#x0D; 3) lands that have not yet lost their natural fertility and those that are in the use of agricultural enterprises of various forms of ownership.&#x0D; Key words: land optimization, monetary valuation of agricultural lands, land resource potential, spatial differentiation of lands, land relations.

Between institutional reform and building popular movements: The political articulation of agroecology in Brazil

Agroecology is increasingly seen to contain solutions that can be used for wider societal transformation. While debates have mainly focused on reformist versus revolutionary strategies, less attention has been paid to how such strategies connect to peasant demands and how they can be combined for agroecological transformation. In this article we study transformation by the agroecology movement in Brazil through the theoretical lens of political articulation. We show that peasants’ local demands for land, alternative farming and local markets were mobilised in an institutional politics to gain policy support and in a populist politics to create movements that pose a systemic challenge to authority. We then argue that the political viability of wider societal transformation lies in the ability to create movements and organisations that politicise peasants and embrace local demands. We conclude that attention should not only be paid to individual strategies and their immediate effects but also on how diverse politics combine, to build the material and symbolic capacity of the movement and their potential for transformation over the long run.

Assessing Cuba’s Early Re-peasantisation during the Special Period and beyond (1990-2008)

Cuban peasants had a significant role model in the past as they returned to the political agenda after the Revolution, and with particular emphasis during the Special Period, to confront the lack of food imports. The fall of Communism in the wider world forced Cuba to implement an alternative agriculture model that revolutionised production patterns and decentralised land structures and commercialisation. Did these changes create opportunities for small farmers during the 1990s and early 2000s? And if so, what kinds of opportunity were created? This article assesses the initial effects of re-peasantisation in terms of increasing small farmers’ incomes and significance in numbers, and their contribution to national food production (considering production and productivity levels), from 1990 to the end of Fidel Castro’s administration.

A blending of Buddhism, social engagement, and alternative agriculture from Thailand: the Maap Euang Meditation Center for Sufficiency Economy

AbstractToday, across all the places where the various Buddhist schools have established themselves, there is a broad phenomenon with heterogeneous characteristics and manifestations called engaged Buddhism or socially engaged Buddhism. What unites the advocates of this movement is the way the Buddhist notion ofdukkha(i.e., ‘suffering’) is interpreted to include the economic, political, social, and even ecological dimensions of suffering in the contemporary world. Engaged Buddhists have reformulated the normative teachings ofdukkhato make them relevant to current issues. In this paper, I present an example of ecologically and socially engaged Theravāda Buddhism of the Maap Euang Meditation Center for Sufficiency Economy, in Thailand near Bangkok. Members of this community have developed a form of engaged Buddhism that treats ideas of “sufficiency” economy and peasant agroecology. To understand this movement, I will argue that the discipline of Buddhist Studies needs to combine the study of ancient canonical texts with the study of their contemporary interpretations.