Community Agroecology Network

CAN's network provides rural communities in Mexico, Central and South America and California with the tools to become economically viable through agriculture while also benefiting the environment through:Action Research: Farm-based research involving investigators and farmers with information generated from within and provided to the community. This year CAN facilitated action research initiatives in California focused on intergenerational knowledge transmission about agroecological and food preparation practices as well as collective experimentation on soils regeneration.Education: Community education, technical assistance, leadership development, consumer education, and ongoing exchanges and participation between the member communities. This year CAN held an international youth exchange focused on food sovereignty in Peru. CAN also raised awareness on U.S. campuses and at local farmers markets about agroecology and solidarity economies. CAN also facilitated a learning community in southern Mexico supporting youth learning about agroecology and solidarity economies. Marketing: Development of producer-controlled markets that support local communities and create direct links with consumers. CAN has developed a "Fair Trade Direct" coffee marketing system. By linking coffee co-ops in Nicaragua and Mexico with U.S. consumers, CAN helps farmers receive and just and sustainable price for their coffee. Through linking growers and consumers in a "Global Village Market," CAN connects economic viability with ecological farming practices, including transitioning to organic production and reforestation.