An agroecology assembly of local networks active to value grassroots innovations worldwide
We promote, support and defend local knowledge, tools techniques, as innovative solutions for food producers communities autonomy and sovereignty. We are therefore strongly anchored in Agroecology.
While diverse in approaches, what unites these organizations and networks is their shared emphasis on peasant and farmer-led innovation, ecological sustainability, peer to peer exchange, and creative commons and open-source diffusion models. What’s more, this form of innovation goes beyond technology. In responding to a lack of appropriate tools, these grassroots innovation networks are simultaneously developing novel forms of organization, production, and knowledge exchange that trouble profit motivated, competitive models of innovation. The result is an emergent socio-technical ecosystem that supports agroecology, strengthening local and regional economies while contributing to a growing innovation commons. In addition to this critical innovation infrastructure, these networks can also foster critical discourse as well as participatory technology assessment. It is therefore not a question of whether another vision of innovation and technology in agriculture is possible. As the ongoing work of these organizations demonstrates, it is already happening. (Extract from Gallese report, Maya Cohen)
