Agroecology: Friends of the Earth Uruguay/ REDES
01 January, 2001
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01 January, 2001
Friends of the Earth Uruguay/ REDES supports agroecology through its work as part of the Native Seed Network and the Uruguay Agroecology Network. The Native Seed Network works with 24 local groups and offers training particularly focusing on the needs of rural women in partnership with Network of Rural Women Groups.
The size and geographical spread of the network has grown; in the last year over 100 seedlings of 45 different species have been planted which has increased the varieties of vegetables and fodder. 4000 kg of seeds of over 200 varieties of vegetable species and cereals have been distributed for installation of crops for subsistence use and to supply local markets. 30 hectares of organic corn was planted for grain production and GM-free flour for local markets in metropolitan areas. The network gained in visibility as members were interviewed for print, radio and television. They also gave lectures in rural and urban schools. With funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture a film was also made describing the work of the network including the importance of native seeds varieties and family farming for food sovereignty.
Rescate y RevalorizaciĆ³n de las Semillas Criollas (actualizado) from Radio Mundo Real on Vimeo.
It also organises the National Seed Creole Festival and the National Meeting of Producers and Seed Production. In 2013 the 5th National Seed Creole and Family Agriculture Festival (5th FNSCAF) was held with 1000 participants including more than 300 producers, farmers, La Via Campesina and the youth Landless Movement from Brazil. It was attended by decision makers including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), the Ministry of Housing Spatial Planning and Environment, National Institute of Seeds (INASE), the National Colonization Institute (INC) and the National Commission Rural Development (CNFR). Due to the level of public exposure this was a major political breakthrough and has led to the strengthening of links with state institutions including the National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), the Directorate General of Rural Development (DGDR) of MGAP, the MEC and the Sectoral Commission on Outreach and Activities in the Middle (CSEAM) at the University of the Republic (UdelaR).
REDES is a national leader in the field of agro-ecology and biosafety issues through conducting research, advocacy, communication, outreach, education and awareness raising. It also conducted evaluations of potato varieties and created a production plan for GMO-free flour in metropolitan areas. It works to strengthen the capacity of farming families to build their own strategies for production and distribution of organic products. REDES facilitates greater participation of women in decision-making and strengthens the capacity of youth to defend and exercise their rights to food, water, land and labour rights. REDES coordinates and strengthens networks of resistance and defense of territories by supporting rural community based groups.
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Coberturas 2013 / 5ta. Fiesta de la Semilla Criolla - Uruguay (in Spanish)
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Uruguay Natural multi output
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