On March 15, 16, & 17, 2019, the Light-Community of Hermandad, in Cordoba, Argentina, experienced the 1st Meeting of Agroforestry, with the presence and instruction of the permaculture expert, Bento Cruz, who came from Brazil. The goal was to address the capacity and resistance of ecosystems in reacting to a situation of chaos, and of their regenerating and becoming abundant again. The principles and the processes of Synthetic Agriculture were studied, based on an agroforestry model.

On the first day, approximately 40 people of different ages and places in Argentina, and from other nations, participated in the presentation of the theory of the agroforestry and Synthetic principals. The old forms of cultivation were compared with this new modality that, differently from entropy, look to going from the simple to the complex.

Practical experience on some rundown and abandoned land

On the second day, the whole group went with much enthusiasm to the land of the Light-Community of Hermandad, called H2, where there was an attempt at a practical application of theoretical knowledge. The beds were prepared, the straw was cut to make compost, holes were dug for planting trees and bushes and other species, which in the future will be a part of the synthetic plantings.

Work was done all day in spite of the heavy rain occurring in the morning, but which did not stop the activity and the goodwill on the part of the whole group to work, which were joyfully ready to have this new experience.

As the work was carried out, the permaculture expert Bento gave instructions and responded to all the doubts and questions that arose in the group. Some people who were already knowledgeable about agriculture or about native plants contributed their knowledge, generating an exchange that greatly enriched everyone. The day progressed in an environment of great fraternity and harmony.

 

On the third day, with a soft rain in the morning, the planting of vegetables and seeds was completed, these following the same format of the planting of the large trees. The tasks were done in a natural unison, with the participation of everyone in the activity of preparing the soil, as well as in the planting of trees, seedlings, and seeds.

Orfeas, a participant in the course coming from Chipre, expressed the following: “I came without expectations and I felt very welcome and well received. The course was very enriching in theory and in practice, because one goes from theory to practice in a short time. This causes reason and emotion to complement each other, seeing them through both perspectives. Here, in Hermandad, when it comes to the human being, one sees that it is a concept well practiced, because the life in community unites people who come from different places, and have different stories, forming a nucleus that nurtures and shares from the heart.”

Karina Simón, from Capilla del Monte, says: “four months ago I organized a WhatsApp group to exchange seeds, and through this came the invitation for the Meeting. Even though I did not know the Community, not even its name, we really had an experience that in many ways went beyond expectations. I felt very grateful in having participated, I thought it very enriching at a knowledge level. I am at a stage where I have to begin from zero, with a new house with an orchard, and I feel uncomfortable to see the space without knowing where to begin, and this organized me a great deal. There was a meeting with a lot of people where there was a very good energy, very positive, and it was noticeable that the work flowed very quickly, seeing changes appear right away. Each person picked a task where they felt most comfortable and everything flowed. It was really enriching and I am leaving very pleased with having come here.”

Alejandro Miglioli, from Capilla del Monte, says: “very, very good and a nice surprise. Because it wasn’t only theoretical, but also practical, to confirm all the knowledge. And, above all, the human groups seemed very nice to me, when they organized, assisted, and were present. We did not know about this place, as my companion says, and it seemed a very good place to us, with a very noble purpose of taking care of Pacha, the Earth, and all the offerings that were done these days. It was very nice! I am very grateful!”