Last week I was invited to a meeting of agroecological gardeners from the region. We met in Raquel's garden, in the Tres Puentes neighborhood . The initial idea was to get together to share best practices and get organized. The real reason: to support each other.
After taking a walk around the orchard accompanied by the Calbuco Volcano and a light breeze while we talked about crops, irrigation, soil pH, pests and humidity, we shared a nice afternoon tea and introduced ourselves.
A short while later, as we stretched our backs almost reflexively, one of them asked: Do you do any physical preparation before gardening?
That question opened a difficult conversation: The lack of time and the excessive physical demands of this job : long hours exposed to the sun or cold, repetitive postures that lead to injuries.
After the collective outpouring of frustration, the conversation turned to the marketing of their vegetables: the drop they had felt in sales at the fairs lately and how difficult it is to compete with "traditional" agriculture that replaces dedication and care with tons of agrochemicals.
While there, I reaffirmed my conviction to support this type of agriculture Because according to the logic of productivity and technological advancement in which we live, it makes no sense to work the land with this level of dedication.
Choosing agroecology stems from a deep love for the land and its inhabitants ; it is a choice of care, born from the understanding that caring for the land is caring for ourselves and our families. Food grown in rich, biodiverse soils is the best food we can give our children.
What moves me the most is that these people don't do it just for their children, they do it for a greater social good. They do it for you, mystery shoppers who understand and value wealth What lies behind crops that respect natural cycles and regenerate the land.
Voting for agroecology through our purchasing decisions is an act of rebellion and support for a precious endeavor. What we put on our table can change lives And we at Mercado Vecinos just want to make it a little easier while we continue to dream that everyone can eat what grows nearby.
A hug,
José Tomás
