Sustainable Agriculture: Cundinamarca’s Latest Initiative
Well, well, well! Hold onto your hats, folks, because on November 19, the Government of Cundinamarca is hosting an event that’s about as exciting as watching paint dry—if that paint was eco-friendly and sustainably sourced, of course! It’s all part of their ongoing love story with sustainable agriculture. And this chapter involves a few representatives from the Municipal Agricultural Technical Assistance Unit (Umata)—think of them as the agricultural Avengers, assembling to save the world, one crop at a time!
Cundinamarca, November 13, 2024—The banner is flying, and the anticipation is palpable. These representatives are not just getting a free lunch; they’re being equipped with the kind of tools and knowledge that make cultivating crops sound as thrilling as a high-speed chase in an action movie!
“Through coordinated work with the ICA and the Umatas, we reaffirm our commitment to an agriculture that not only promotes the well-being of our producers, but also takes care of the environment and offers quality products to the consumers of the department,” stated Wilfer Ortegón, the director of Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Growth. Yes, you heard him right! He’s not just talking about planting seeds; he’s planting ideas. Almost like an inspirational TED Talk, but with fewer awkward pauses!
So, what’s on the agenda for this training day? Well, they’re rolling out a veritable toolkit of agricultural practices aimed at improving food security—because nothing screams ‘secure’ like being able to eat your greens! They’re tackling the reduction of environmental impact, which is a fancy way of saying, “Let’s keep the planet from becoming a flaming dumpster fire!” And let’s not forget about guaranteeing the quality of agricultural products—because nobody wants to bite into a tomato that tastes like garden hose, right?
Johana Marcela Pachón, our training guru, stated, “It is essential that the Umatas know the certification process in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the corresponding procedure before the Colombian Agricultural Institute ICA.” In layman’s terms: if they want to get fancy with the produce (and who doesn’t like fancy produce?!), they need to follow the rules! It’s all about getting access to better marketing channels. You want to sell your avocados for a buck-fifty? Learn the ropes, my friend! And let’s face it, everyone wants to grow their own green gold.
This joint effort? It’s not just a mere meeting; it’s like a marriage of convenience between high-quality farming and eco-friendliness! They’re promoting a culture of good practices like evolution did with the human spine—one step at a time! And if that’s not going to strengthen the competitiveness of producers at local and national levels, then I don’t know what will!
Conclusion: Cultivating the Future
So there you have it, folks—a glimpse into a future where sustainability isn’t just a passing trend like low-carb diets or fidget spinners! Cundinamarca is paving the way for agriculture that takes both the belly and the planet into consideration. If you happen to find yourself reading this in the region, remember, folks, good practices equal good produce. And who knows? You might just plant a little magic along the way!
• The next pivotal agricultural event is scheduled for November 19, taking place at the esteemed Government of Cundinamarca.
(Cundinamarca, November 13, 2024). In a recent initiative, representatives from the Municipal Agricultural Technical Assistance Unit (Umata) across several communities were equipped with essential tools and knowledge, geared towards implementing sustainable agricultural practices that meet high-quality standards in the field.
“Through coordinated efforts with the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and our local Umatas, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an agricultural framework that not only benefits our producers but also prioritizes environmental stewardship while delivering high-quality products to the consumers within the department,” emphasized Wilfer Ortegón, the director of Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Growth.
The training day was meticulously designed to enhance agricultural production techniques aimed at bolstering food security, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring that agricultural products meet rigorous quality standards. Participants delved into comprehensive topics including effective soil management, pest control strategies, and prudent use of agricultural inputs, all aimed at cultivating safer and more efficient production methods.
“It is imperative for the Umatas to thoroughly understand the certification process concerning Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) alongside the necessary protocols outlined by the Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA. This knowledge enables producers to access superior marketing channels, organize their agricultural estates effectively, and appreciate the critical importance of a robust phytosanitary management and fertilization plan for their crops. By adopting these practices, they not only enhance their productive yields but also significantly reduce environmental repercussions,” stated Johana Marcela Pachón, a dedicated trainer in the program.
This collaborative endeavor represents a landmark advancement towards achieving sustainability within the agricultural sector, fostering a culture of exemplary practices while simultaneously enhancing the competitiveness of producers both locally and on a national scale.
**Interview with Wilfer Ortegón, Director of Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Growth in Cundinamarca**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Wilfer. Exciting things are happening in Cundinamarca with the upcoming initiative for sustainable agriculture. Can you tell us a bit about the event scheduled for November 19?
**Wilfer Ortegón:** Absolutely! We’re thrilled to host this event, which brings together representatives from the Municipal Agricultural Technical Assistance Units (Umata) to empower them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable farming practices. It’s all about creating a robust framework that benefits our producers, consumers, and the environment.
**Editor:** It sounds like a practical step towards improving agricultural practices. What key topics will be covered during the training?
**Wilfer Ortegón:** We’ll focus on several crucial areas, including improving food security, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the quality of agricultural products. We want to equip our participants with the knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and how to get certified for better market access.
**Editor:** Johana Marcela Pachón mentioned the importance of the certification process for GAP. How does this certification impact local farmers in Cundinamarca?
**Wilfer Ortegón:** The certification allows local farmers to enhance their credibility and access higher market channels. When they adhere to recognized standards, their products gain value and appeal to consumers who are increasingly concerned about the quality and sustainability of their food.
**Editor:** It sounds like this initiative is not just about farming but also about building a sustainable future for the community. Can you elaborate on the importance of collaboration with organizations like the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA)?
**Wilfer Ortegón:** Collaborating with the ICA and others ensures that we’re aligned with best practices and regulations, fostering a community that prioritizes both agricultural productivity and environmental health. It’s a partnership that amplifies our reach and effectiveness, ultimately strengthening our competitiveness at both local and national levels.
**Editor:** what is your vision for sustainable agriculture in Cundinamarca as we move forward?
**Wilfer Ortegón:** My vision is clear: we aim for a future where sustainable agriculture is the norm, not an exception. By focusing on good practices, we can ensure that our producers thrive, our consumers are satisfied, and our planet is preserved for generations to come. It’s a journey, and we’re excited to take this next step together.
**Editor:** Thank you, Wilfer, for sharing this insight into Cundinamarca’s exciting initiative. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on the community!