No-till, direct seeding and other such groups operate in many parts of the world. The South Americans have been pushed ahead with forming an association that brings these groups together. CAPAAS (
http://www.caapas.org/index_en.asp) helps South American farmers adopt continuous no-till. Unfortunately no such group exists in North America, that is until now.
The Conservation Technology Information Center (
www.conservationinformation.org) has been the driving force behind creating a North American conservation tillage network. Early in 2007 they initiated discussions with interested conservation tillage associations. RTL joined the discussions in June
About twenty-five persons met in Pine Mountain, Georgia in early December to begin formalizing the group. CTIC paid for our way and I was privileged to attend. The name for the group was selected and we began discussing governance, goals and actions.
A brief description of the network follows:
Across North America voluntary producer organizations work hard to promote no-till systems and other practices that provide economic benefits as well as environmental benefits to their regions. These organizations share similar missions and goals, encounter similar challenges and struggle with all too common problems.
Today, there are a growing number of these similar groups working to form a communication network that will strengthen not only individual effort but also the shared goal of increased conservation in agriculture. Coordination of this effort is provided by Conservation Technology Information Center.
This communication network will form connections among and between groups so that information, success stories and lessons learned can be shared. Participating organizations and advisors will share information, respond to questions from others quickly and with honesty, participate regularly in dialogue, alert others to relevant opportunities, events, and provide social and moral support.” (CTIC)
It is pretty exciting to meet with groups from all over the USA and Canada. We really hope the connections created will further no-till systems.
click here for more information on the Conservation Agriculture Systems Alliance
