Rural extension with focus on organic production: contributions of the Center for Studies in Agroecology (NEA) and the Maniva Network of Agroecology (Rema)

Abstract

The Center for Agroecology and Organic Production Studies at the University of the State of
Amazonas was created to support successful experiences of agroecological approach coordinated
by the Maniva Network of Agroecology, with actions to encourage the involvement
of rural extension institutions, to multiply agroecological knowledge and to collaborate in the
structuring of the Participative Guarantee System (SPG) and the Participatory Organization for
the Evaluation of Organic Conformity (Opac) of Rema. The actions involved students, technicians,
organic farmers and agroecological transition. About 30 technicians and 100 farmers
were trained. The university extension has resulted in a greater integration of the academy and
the rural, from an agricultural model of promotion of sustainable development. The process of
creation of the Maniva SPG was finalized and there was a significant advance of the regulation
of the Maniva Opac from the preparation of the technical documents required.