With the pandemic, many of us are beginning to become aware of what food is and how what we consume is produced. Agroecological fruits and vegetables emerged as that necessary alternative to ultra-processed foods and modified vegetables. Here we tell you everything you need to know about them.
Agroecological vegetables, what is it?
It is clear that becoming aware of caring for the planet makes us more conscious consumers. In this process we seek to find foods that are coupled with what our pockets also need.
Sometimes, we find ourselves wanting to buy organic food and finding it expensive. Then the other option appears, the ”bag” of agroecological vegetables. But, what is agroecology?
This type of agriculture that avoids the use of agrochemicals, respects the seasons and natural cycles and preserves fresh and natural foods. They are also subject to environmentally friendly production processes.
They also have other attributes that go beyond the food itself. The agroecological vegetablesgenerally occur in contexts that They favor community ties and self-management.
Why eat agroecological vegetables?
In the first place, because consuming agroecological vegetables guarantees your food quality, it is in accordance with the cycles of nature and it is, generally, a purchase that does not have intermediaries. There are many benefits, we highlight here the most important:
1- Seasonal products: As fruits and vegetables are according to the place and time of year in which they are produced, we move according to the biological cycle. In this sense, we do not force the resources but we use the available ones and we eat vegetables that have all the flavors and nutrients that correspond to them.
Regarding the periods of durability, there are techniques typical of traditional agriculture that allow extending the periods of food consumption. An example is dehydrating certain fruits and vegetables.
2- Proximity to consumption: By not transporting food over long distances, savings in distribution and conservation are very large. Consuming local is a value that contributes to the care of the environment and the development of communities.
It is even more comfortable and accessible. There are those who offer agroecological vegetables at home or they establish proximity nodes to pick them up.
3- Direct producer: Agroecological vegetables are generally distributed directly from the producer to the consumer. By avoiding intermediaries, marketing is more transparent and the possibility of overpricing is reduced.
Knowing the origin of what we buy, we also contribute to the preservation of the planet.
4- Local varieties: Agroecological agriculture respects the cultivation of local varieties, in this way it is not necessary to alter the soil and the properties of each food are better used. Being the ones that best adjust to that environment, they are richer and more nutritious than those made with other processes such as modified seeds.
Agroecological and organic vegetables: differences
It is very common to confuse agroecological and organic vegetablesbut there is differences between them. Both types of agriculture pursue the same goal, but are conceptually different.
Both agroecological and organic production seek to produce food free of agrotoxic substances, responsible use of the soil and respect for the environment.. However, the big difference is in the guarantee of this process. And that also influences the price.
Although there are mechanisms to know who we are buying from, the truth is that with the agroecological vegetables There is no seal that certifies this process. Although his philosophy corresponds not only with respect for the environment, but also incorporates elements of Social Economy and Cooperativism.
The fact that it is not regulated by an official seal does not mean that it is not of quality, or that it does not correctly follow the production ”protocols”.
The organic production, on the other hand, does have certification and must meet certain standards to be. It is framed in national legislation and also in international protocols. These indicate what can be done, what cannot and gives traceability to the product.
That is why organic products tend to be more ”expensive”. They require compliance with standards that make production more expensive and also bear the expense of the certifiers.
The truth is that consumption patterns are changing. With the pandemic, many people who migrated to the modality home office, they began to reflect on where they bought their products. And also to have the possibility of being at home receiving agroecological vegetables at home.
Many turned to the purchase of organic products and agroecological vegetablesrevitalizing that market.
For some perhaps the seals are just “sticks in the wheel” for producers with fewer resources and the same will, for others a quality certificate.
And what kind of vegetables do you consume? Tell us in the comments.
Sources: INTA, OIA, La Tinta and La Garbancita Ecologica