PFI and Perú

Practical Farmers of Iowa is part of an effort to establish agricultural linkages in the South American country of Perú.  The main players are Iowa State University and La Molina Agrarian University in Lima, Perú.  Both those educational institutions have educators and researchers working in grassroots sustainable agriculture projects.  Scientists at both schools are partnering with nonprofit organizations.  PFI is the lead nonprofit on the Iowa side.

PFI Farming Systems Coordinator Rick Exner worked with ISU and La Molina personnel as they developed a proposal to strengthen educational, research, and farmer linkages.  In May, 2002, Exner traveled to Perú with ISU personnel to take part in a workshop on sustainable development and to learn about farming issues in that country.  His report and pictures appear in Farming at 14,000 Feet.

The farmer-to-farmer aspect of the project found expression in March, 2003, when Exner and PFI farmer Ronald Brunk took part in a week-long, “traveling workshop.”  This “pasantía” was attended by producers from three communities in Perú, and the workshop’s itinerary was a tour of those same communities.  The pasantía gave these farmers an opportunity to learn from each other and see parts of the country they may never have visited.  It also was a chance for Brunk and Exner to learn from Peruvian farmers and share their own perspectives.  Ron and Rick share their thoughts and photos in Learning with Peruvian Farmers.