Analysis of potentialities for agroecological transition in horticultural farms in Southern Uruguay

The implementation of industrial agriculture has generated record levels of poverty, hunger, migration, and environmental degradation, intensified by climate change, and energy and financial crises. Thus, Uruguay has presented a sustained decrease in the number and area of horticultural systems, mainly family farming systems. In this context, the ongoing yet steady growth of agroecological farms is striking. Based on the principle of society-nature co-evolution, they promote environmental, technical, socio-economic, and political sustainability. Understanding the elements that contribute to the growth of these farms is essential for promoting their development. This study aims to generate knowledge that contributes to transitioning towards agroecological systems by identifying and analyzing aspects that enhance the development of horticultural-based farm systems in the Regional Sur-Sur of the Agroecology Network of Uruguay. As an approach, triangulation was carried out between quantitative and qualitative methods through semi-structured interviews, field trips, workshops, and the development of indicators. The results show that, within the family farms studied, the adoption of the agroecological paradigm is perceived as a way of life that promotes a holistic view of human and environmental well-being, based on principles of complementarity, correspondence, and reciprocity. The identified potentialities include: increased agro-biodiversity, use of native varieties, conservationist soil management, short marketing channels, solidarity among peers, recognition of local knowledge, and health promotion. These elements result in greater autonomy, stability, resilience, and adaptability based on the principles of complementarity, correspondence, and reciprocity, which promote life and work in rural areas from the agroecological perspective.