New World Agriculture and Ecology Group

The New World Agriculture and Ecology Group (NWAEG) is an organization focused on sustainable agriculture, conservation biology and social justice.

History

Originally known as the New World Agriculture Group, NWAEG (pronounced "new-ag") became active in the 1980s. NWAEG drew inspiration from the 1970s-1980s Science for the People movement, and many of its founding members were active in Science for the People.

NWAG has a steering committee with representatives from three regions: East, Midwest, and West. Additionally, a Nicaragua Coordinating Committee is also working.

NWAEG's best-known project was an intensive effort to provide agricultural research and extension services to the Nicaraguan people during the Sandinista era. Cuba and Chiapas, Mexico are locations of other NWAEG projects, exemplifying the group's informal focus on Latin America.

NWAG is collaborating with the National University (UNAN) and the Union of Small and Medium-sized Farmers (UNAG) in Nicaragua. The goal of Nicaraguan agriculturalists is to develop methods to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which are both expensive and harmful to the environment. This initiative aims to increase food production and reduce dependency on foreign inputs. Several projects are underway, focusing on biological pest control through the use of natural predators and parasites.

NWAG scientists are spread across the United States, with the largest chapters located at Cornell University and the University of Michigan. There are also many active members in Vermont, North Carolina, California, Kentucky, Minnesota, throughout Canada, and in Nicaragua.

External links

• Cornell University NWAEG Chapter