A. Introduction to agroecology

Agroecology is a science, productive practice, and social movement.

It is based on a holistic approach that contributes to building an agricultural system that is sustainable (economically, socially and environmentally), healthy, inclusive, resilient, respectful of human rights and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

• info → https://agroecologyfund.org/what-is-agroecology/

B. Bio‑inputs and bio‑preparations in agricultural production

Technical material on use, analysis and opportunities for bio‑inputs in U.S. agriculture.

• info 1 → https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11557716/

• info 2 → https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397046057_Agricultural_bioinputs_for_sustainable_agriculture_a_brief_overview

• info 3 → https://www.vineyardteam.org/files/resources/2_06_Marrone.Pam.SAE22.pdf

C. Agroecology guide for municipalities

Guide of public‑policy proposals to promote and protect agroecology at the local or municipal level in the U.S. context.

• info → https://seas.umich.edu/news/agroecology-paradigm-shift-us-food-system

D. Manuals, tool‑kits and digital libraries

List of practical and educational resources that can be linked or referenced:

• Manual for the agroecological transition → https://commonecologies.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Towards‑Agroecological‑Futures‑How‑to‑facilitate‑Local‑Agroecological‑Transitions.pdf

• Bio‑inputs tool‑kit → https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51624bdce4b058e82d8a2faf/t/536658d4e4b0a8d04d94c9b1/1399216340026/Agroecology+Toolkit.pdf

• Digital library / compendia on agroecology → https://www.nal.usda.gov/all-collections

• info 1 → https://esa.org/agroecology/resources/

• info 2 → https://agroecology-coalition.org/agroecology-resources/

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) updates regulation of biotechnology & bio‑inputs

The USDA articulates a federal policy for biotechnology in agriculture through the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology, ensuring that products developed with modern biotech are assessed for environmental, human and animal health safety. USDA+2APHIS+2

• info: https://usbiotechnologyregulation.mrp.usda.gov/biotechnologygov/home

Rules for registration and use of pesticides and biological control agents

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates sale, distribution and use of pesticides. Biological control agents and microbials are also included or assessed under related frameworks. National Pesticide Information Center+2Environmental Protection Agency+2

• info: https://www.epa.gov/regulatory‑information‑topic/regulatory‑and‑guidance‑information‑topic‑pesticides

Organic production regulation – the National Organic Program (NOP)

The U.S. regulates labeling and production of organic agricultural products under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). Products labelled “organic” must comply with defined standards and certification processes. Wikipedia

• info: https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic

Biotechnology regulation for plant pests and genetically engineered organisms

Through Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Regulations (7 CFR 340), the USDA regulates the importation, interstate movement, and release of GM plants/organisms that could pose plant‑pest risk. USDA APHIS+1

• info: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology/regulations

Regulation of pesticide residues in food – role of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA enforces tolerances for pesticide chemical residues on food commodities, acting together with the EPA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• info: https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical‑contaminants‑pesticides/pesticides