Report
The second edition of the Polish School of Agroecology was successfully held in 2024. The program enhanced participants' knowledge, empowered their engagement, and fostered networking among agroecological practitioners from Poland and other European countries.
Horizontal Exchange
The high level of interest during the recruitment process demonstrated a strong demand for agroecological education. Participants were selected based on criteria ensuring diversity in profession, age, and geographic background, with a focus on balancing rural and urban representation. Priority was given to individuals with limited access to agroecological networks. The 15 selected participants represented a wide range of professions, including organic farmers, media representatives, social activists, and local government officials.
The PSA program emphasized the importance of horizontal knowledge exchange. We encouraged participants to share their experiences and expertise, providing time for their contributions and group discussions. We sought a balance between various learning methods, including indoor workshops exploring the complexities of food systems, finding solutions, reflecting on hope and activism, farm visits, and engaging in crafts together.
Theoretical and Practical Approaches
The four-day event at the Ecological Folk High School in Grzybów combined theoretical knowledge, practical workshops, and community-building activities. The program included a field workshop on biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, led by Dr. Joanna Sucholas, a 2023 graduate of the PSA program; a session on the institutional framework shaping agriculture in Poland and the European Union, conducted by Justyna Zwolińska, advocacy coordinator at the Living Earth Coalition; and a lively discussion on the 11 pillars of agroecology, facilitated by Wioletta Olejarczyk.
There were also study visits to three small-scale farms and opportunities for knowledge exchange among participants, as well as group-building activities such as crafts and folk dance.
Agrofeminism
This year’s PSA program placed a stronger emphasis on feminism in agroecology. The sessions included a lecture on Feminisms in Agroecology, presented by feminist scholar Dr. Sylwia Urbańska. Together, we examined agriculture and rural areas through a feminist lens and explored various feminist movements that shape contemporary "agrofeminism."
European Connections
The two-day event in Warsaw highlighted international perspectives on agroecology and cross-edition networking. Participants engaged in a workshop led by Andrea Ferrante from the Italian organization Schola Campesina and Ia Ebralidze from the European Coordination of La Via Campesina, gaining insights into organizations advocating for changes in European agricultural policy. The program also included a study visit to the MOST cooperative urban farm in Warsaw, offering practical exposure to sustainable urban agriculture. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to connect with an artist-in-residence at the Centre for Contemporary Art, whose work explores themes of ecology and agriculture. Together, we conducted a workshop with biology educators on the symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plants.
Looking Ahead
During the evaluation, the desire to stay connected and continue collaborating emerged as a key takeaway. Several months after the second edition, we can see that our network is vibrant and active. Participants are staying in touch, seeking opportunities to collaborate, and planning future meetings.
Sharing Know-How
We are committed to sharing our experiences, so we have created a report that consolidates the experiences from both editions of the School. This report is intended for other organizations that can benefit from the solutions and insights developed through the program.