NEA Raiz do Campo

The "Raiz do Campo" Agroecology and Entomology Study Group is composed of students, staff, and faculty members from the Federal Institute of Southern Minas Gerais – Inconfidentes Campus. Its members represent diverse academic programs, including Agronomic Engineering, Environmental Management, Biological Sciences Education, and Pedagogy. The group's activities are primarily concentrated in the Agroecology Sector of the campus, serving as the hub for a wide array of research, outreach, and teaching initiatives. These activities support projects across various fields, fostering innovation and practical learning.

Established in 2013, the Raiz do Campo group was founded with the mission to integrate extension, teaching, and research activities. Its main goal has been to enhance the academic training of its members while promoting and strengthening agroecological practices. A key aspect of its work includes collaboration with the Central Association of Organic Producers of Southern Minas Gerais (OSM), emphasizing community-oriented agroecological development.

In 2017, through funding from the MCTIC/MAPA/MEC/SEAD – Casa Civil/CNPq Public Call No. 21/2016, the group officially became the Raiz do Campo Agroecology and Entomology Study Center (NEA Raiz do Campo). This designation enabled the group to expand its scope of action, developing projects such as agroforestry systems, seed banks for heirloom and local varieties, organic certification through participatory guarantee systems, stingless bee conservation, bioconstruction, and medicinal plant cultivation and management. Other areas of focus include soil chromatography, entomology, and the establishment of experimental cultivation spaces.

The NEA Raiz do Campo stands out for its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and ecological knowledge. By combining theoretical study with hands-on initiatives, the group not only provides its members with robust academic training but also addresses critical environmental and social challenges. Its collaborative approach bridges the gap between academia and the broader community, contributing to the resilience of agroecological systems in the region. Through its ongoing projects, the study center continues to be a model for integrating education, sustainability, and innovation.

Looking ahead, the NEA Raiz do Campo aspires to deepen its engagement with rural communities, building stronger partnerships to scale up agroecological projects and foster self-reliance among small-scale farmers. They dream of establishing a regional hub for agroecological education, where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, collaborate, and innovate. Through ongoing efforts in soil health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods, the group hopes to contribute to a world where agriculture regenerates ecosystems, nurtures communities, and ensures food sovereignty for generations to come.

The Raiz do Campo Agroecology and Entomology Study Center envisions a future where agroecological principles guide sustainable agricultural practices, fostering harmony between humans and nature. The group’s primary goal is to expand its impact by strengthening educational initiatives, research, and community outreach that empower local farmers, students, and educators. They dream of cultivating a network of knowledge-sharing that bridges traditional wisdom and scientific innovation, creating a foundation for resilient and ecologically sound food systems. By promoting practices such as agroforestry, seed preservation, and stingless bee conservation, the group aims to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.