Ecolog: It seems that this is a kickoff for this organization/website, but the "mission statement" seems vague and the "long-range plan" and by-laws non-existent (404 Error). Maybe they can/will be posted or a notice posted when they are available on the website.
Perhaps Ecolog members would care to offer some breadth of understanding on this subject? The mission statement reads: "Mission Statement, Officers, Documents, Important Past Events "About "Updated November 2010 "The Agroecology Section will promote an understanding of the importance of the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable Agroecosystems among ecologists, agriculturists, and members of related disciplines. Other objectives include encouraging education and research in Agroecology, sponsoring meetings and publications for the communication of research and educational activities in Agroecology, and increasing student participation in the Society. "Our goal is to promote holistic research that works within the local ecosystem to sustain the environmental and economic viability of a community through the promotion of natural farming systems." I would like to have my understanding promoted from its present ignorant state to a more enlightened one. Specifically, I would like to know whether or not, "when push comes to shove" that self-sufficient ecosystems will be winners or losers when it comes to the economic viability of a community. Perhaps you could provide an example of an agroecological case compared with one which is not that we could see and feel each of them, preferably in different parts of the USA/World to limit the travel and carbon expenditures to reach the sites? By what standards are such cases determined? What is the definition of a "natural farming system?" WT ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rich Smith" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 11:22 AM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] ESA Agroecology Section Website Dear ECOLOG subscribers, I wanted to let those of you who are interested in sustainable agriculture and agroecology (but are not yet members of the ESA Agroecology Section) know that our new Agroecology Section website is now up and running. Please take a few moments to check it out. http://www.esa.org/agroecology/index.html The site will be updated on a regular basis and new content pertaining to agroecology science and practice will be added frequently—so check it often. You’ll also notice that you have the ability to interact with the site through Facebook and twitter, and we hope that you will take the opportunity to do so. If you are interested in sustainable agriculture and agroecology, please consider joining ESA's Agroecology Section when you initiate or renew your ESA membership (there's a link on the website). Many thanks to our Secretary/Treasurer/Web-master, John Quinn, for his tireless efforts to put the site together. Sincerely, Rich Smith, Chair (on behalf of the Agroecology Section Officers) -------------------------------------------------------------- Richard G. Smith Assistant Professor of Agroecology Department of Natural Resources and the Environment 264 James Hall University of New Hampshire Durham, NH 03824 Email: [email protected] (603) 862-2724 Office (603) 953-3396 Cell http://nre.unh.edu/faculty/smith ---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3317 - Release Date: 12/15/10 07:34:00
