Version 3.2

Degrowth Getting its Hands Dirty?

Envisioning fruitful alliances between Degrowth, Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture Movements

Regular perusers of Degrowth scholarship frequently encounter fleeting references to alternative agriculture models cited as tangible examples of transition in practice compatible with visions of “Degrowth.” Organic and community supported agriculture, urban and rural self-sufficiency, the Agroecology movement and sub-practices such as agroforestry are often "name-dropped" when scholars attempt to demystify logical pathways for reducing society’s material and energy footprints and negative impact on the biosphere. In spite of this form of “literary” symbiosis, Degrowth remains distant as an intellectual and physical ally of two influential movements encouraging transformative change within the agriculture sector, Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture.

This workshop aims to introduce key successes and enduring challenges of the Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture movements within the Central European context, citing practical and intellectual knowledge gained working directly with farm communities in Hungary and in international educational projects for farmers supported by the European Union. The workshop will also cite experience acquired over the last decade working as a gardener on a functioning organic farm serving an active local food community, and within the Degrowth inspired cooperative Cargonomia in Hungary.

We invite participants who contribute to alternative food movements as practitioners, researchers, activists or allies and will dive deeper into the following questions:
• How can Degrowth scholarship contribute to strengthening narratives and strategy trajectories within the Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture movements?
• What is the role and potential of Degrowth advocates in supporting the viability and impact of alternative food movements?
• What methods can Degrowth advocates follow to engage more effectively with farmers?

Info

Day: 2023-08-30
Start time: 10:00
Duration: 01:30
Room: ZV-8-6
Type: Non-academic Session
Theme: Resilience building through degrowth

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Concurrent Sessions