MOVIMIENTO AGROECOLÓGICO Y TERRITORIALIZACIÓN DE LA AGROECOLOGÍA EN URUGUAY

Abstract

In Uruguay, agroecology has gained momentum due to the growing concern about environmental impacts, the tensions between food sovereignty and conventional agriculture, as well as the increasing demand for healthy food. This work characterizes the agroecological movement and analyzes the conflicts and tensions surrounding the development of the National Plan for the Promotion of Production Based on Agroecological Principles (PNA). The PNA emerges as a strategy promoted by socioterritorial movements that, questioning agribusiness, build forms of resistance and also propose viable alternatives. The creation of Territorial Agroecological Nodes (NATs) seeks to promote participation and integrate teaching, research, and extension activities in the territories. In this context, the relevance of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach is highlighted to understand and contextualize local realities, power relations, and environmental, social, and cultural particularities in the promotion of agroecology. The study also addresses the tensions and contradictions in the implementation of the PNA, marked by political changes and divergent approaches to agroecology. The integrated approach proposed by agroecological organizations is crucial to facing the complex challenges that Uruguay faces in the search for alternative frameworks for social relations and resource management in a sustainable and equitable manner.