agriculture zero

The course introduced us to foundational agricultural knowledge, including farming practices, industrial sector, system ecology, soil explanation. It also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between various agricultural systems (traditional, industrial, and technology) while connecting these to broader societal and economic contexts.

One of the most memorable aspects of the week was our visit to Valldaura. Experiencing the unique reality of this space, its community, and its sustainable farming methods was both fascinating and eye-opening. We explored their cultivation techniques and the tools they use to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the environment. Despite its simplicity and “naturalness” compared to the lifestyles many of us are accustomed to, I found myself feeling both unfamiliar and surprisingly at ease in this environment.

This visit also made me reflect on how different the pace and priorities of life can be when connected directly to the land. Observing their way of living, I began to see the value of this slower, more intentional approach to food and resource production.

Through this hands-on experience, I also gained practical insights into farming maintenance tasks and began identifying areas where innovation could play a role. By combining traditional knowledge with advanced computational and digital tools, it’s clear that there’s significant potential to reshape how we approach agriculture for a more sustainable future.

For this course, we were asked to select a farm to analyze and reflect upon. Together with Lucretia and Auxence, we chose Cristina's farm. The farm’s production is entirely dedicated to providing fruits and vegetables for family and friends. Cristina employs permaculture techniques to prioritize soil conservation and sustainable practices. However, the farm faces several challenges, including pests, snails, water scarcity, and the occurrence of downy mildew affecting tomato crops.

To address these issues, we decided to focus on the concepts of community and knowledge sharing. This led us to imagine an application that could act as a platform for exchanging advice, selling, buying, or bartering products. We envisioned incorporating various filters into the app to make it as functional and user-friendly as possible, catering to different needs. Additionally, we believe such a tool could be highly relevant for future generations and beneficial for beginners in farming.

Another important aspect we considered is the idea of knowledge transport: finding ways to preserve and share the valuable expertise of farmers. These insights, accumulated through experience and rooted in tradition, hold immense value. By creating a tool that fosters the exchange of this expertise, we aim to empower small-scale farmers and build a stronger, more connected agricultural community.