The draft scope is very good. All four questions are solidly arranged, as well. So, I just hope to contribute with some reflection questions:
a) It is essential to strengthen the regulation of agrochemicals and transgenic seeds. It is part of a technological package that concentrates power in the hands of agribusiness corporations. For this, we must articulate globally, but from local actions. In Brazil, for example, we consume 500 million kilograms of glyphosate in 2015. And the legislation tends to become more lenient, despite the high impacts on health and the environment. We must ensure that pesticides that have proven impacts on health and the environment, such as glyphosate are prohibited, at least for a certain period for revaluations, what has not happen in Brazil. The construction of the agroecology should take into account the clash with respect to transgenic seeds and pesticides. (attached text/in Spanish/Not published yet).
b) The water must also be considered the center of the discussion around the agroecology. I understand that it is included in the food processes, but I believe that calling specific attention is important. In 2018 in Brazil will happen to the World Water Forum. This is an important space for such a debate. People only are worried about water in dried periods.
c) Which criteria, indicators, statistics and metrics are needed? It is very important to understand Agroecology on a Dialectics perspective. The idea of Agroecology Transition Systems is essential to think the FSN. “Agroecology Transition is the infinity”, “Agroecology Transition is a constant movement”. In that sense, we cannot think agroecology from criteria that close the discussion. We must construct a Continuous and Progressive Validation Process (CPVP), with different scales (agro ecosystem, territory, etc.) that can guide the change, but not impose a closed package.
d) Punctually, I also suggest the use of the concept of Social Metabolism as an instrument to think agroecology and FSN. Who has been studying this concept deeply is the research group of Manuel Gonzalez Molina at Pablo de Olavide University, in Sevilla, Spain.
Murilo Souza