Is it possible that organic farming, which proposes not using pesticides and genetically modified seeds, could help overcome the problem of hunger worldwide?
That was the question that was attempted to be answered through keynote lectures, discussions and displays of the production of dozens of the best agroecological farms in Ecuador at the 2nd International Forum on Organic and Agroecological Agriculture that took place a few days ago in the city of Guayaquil.
Pancho Gangotena, an organic producer with more than 30 years of experience in this area, demonstrated with the continuous production of more than 40 items using fertilizers made from rock dust and other types of natural fertilizers on his Chaupi Molino farm that it is physically and economically viable, and made it clear that in his opinion "there is nothing more subversive in the world than an organic farm."
Richard Intriago, from the FIAGORA 2012 organization, expressed his satisfaction with the achievements in disseminating the topics discussed at this international event that brought together exhibitors from Ecuador, Brazil, Cuba, Chile and Peru. He also stated that "The use of pesticides or genetically modified seeds does not guarantee high profitability. Consumers are increasingly looking for healthy and environmentally friendly products."
Brazilian GMO researcher Rubens Nodari was emphatic that long-term studies on GMOs are indicating that they "could cause physiological failures or generate tumors and alter blood components."
In Ecuador, some 10,000 farms are dedicated to organic production, which means that 10% of the agricultural and food production consumed in the country is free of pesticides and insecticides.
On the second day of FIAGORA, in parallel with the workshops, the fair “Qué Rico es Comer Sano y de Mi Tierra” (How Delicious it is to Eat Healthy and from My Land) was held, with the sale of jams, honey, sweets and drinks, as well as fresh food from several of the participating agroecological farms.
The Mi Cocinita Soberana stand was one of the most eye-catching, raising awareness through active participation of the public about what lies behind each fresh and processed food, and the power that the consumer has when choosing a type of food.
The fair also saw the active participation of cultural groups such as Narices Rojas and Thamé Teatro de Artesanos.
The Forum was a space to demonstrate the advantages offered by organic production in the country, which strongly includes the agro-export sector of roses, fruits, bananas, cocoa and coffee.
The current importance of these spaces in our country lies in "the need to demonstrate that agroecology is a viable option to the abundant use of agrotoxins and in the context of the national debate on GMOs" said Intriago. Even more so when both procedures (pesticides and GMOs) are increasingly moving away from the current demands of consumers who prefer nutritious and pro-environmental foods.
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