Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture (AIEA)
The Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture (the AIEA) adds a new dimension to agricultural education, extension, research, and, politics. The institute stands between the world of industrial agriculture on the one hand, (which we have little affiliation with), and organic agriculture on the other, (which we do have affiliation with). In essence the AIEA is driven by an ecological imperative. We believe that ecology is the foundation stone of agriculture and that this science (which embraces its natural and social elements) needs to be the primary driver of all management decisions. The AIEA’s mantra is one of looking after that which we are dependent on – in this case the biosphere.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Agriculture Science and Research
- Market Focus:
- Internationally (various countries)
About Us
The Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture Cooperative Ltd
The Ecological Agriculture Australia Association (EAAA) is no longer. It has morphed into the Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture Cooperative Ltd (AIEA). The AIEA is much the same as the EAAA although the goals have changed and the legal structure is now a cooperative rather than an association.
According to our constitution the purposes of the AIEA are to:
- Establish, maintain and manage a professional body to represent ecological agricultural scientists and farmers/landowners who practice ecological farming methods,
- Foster an ecological approach to farming and marketing of produce through advocacy, research, and the development of education and training programmes,
- Provide consulting services to farmers and landowners that:
- Foster ecological agricultural methods,
- enhances environmental sustainability, and
- assists in mitigation and adaptation to climate change including, but not limited to, low carbon practices, renewable energy transition and carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation,
Publish information and research into ecological production and environmental landscape.
The EAAA symbol remains and will now carry the abbreviation AIEA, and the organisation is, as before, committed to putting ecology first in both its natural and social forms.
While we are updating the design to reflect the recent changes, some of the content of this web site might still refer to the EAAA. Especially the EAAA newletters contain many stories collected since the establishment of the association that we feel underpin the ideals of the
Australian Institute of Ecological Agriculture Cooperative Ltd (AIEA).
The AIEA performs a function not met by other farmer entities. Its base line reflects an ecological approach to food and fibre production. We are not organic although we align with the organic sentiment. The organic movement disallows chemicals no matter what.
The AIEA offers a transitional movement towards non-chemicals agriculture and as such a farm operation can gradually wean itself off chemicals and perhaps ultimately be non-chemical. At that point they can join the organic movement and become certified or stay registered as a member of the AIEA and trade within our framework.
The AIEA believes farming ecologically is the most appropriate road to producing healthy food and environment in a world beset with falling carbon reserves coupled with the dangers of climate change.
The AIEA also has a human ecology (or social ecology) approach which promotes the role of people and their world views as fundamental to managing change in natural resource management.
In the realm of ethics we seek to express our policy on a range of issues that exist outside our vision of how agriculture should be conducted.
With education we support programs that promote a more holistic approach to agriculture.
With the farming pillar we endorse regenerative agriculture and seek to promote it in all its guises.
History
The EAAA was formed in November 2009 at Orange, NSW, Australia. Its vision and objectives are as outlined below. A key foci of the EAAA are the five pillars and importantly the role of ecology both natural and social in the management of our natural resources.
The aims of the EAAA are outlined in each of the pillars, which are managed by EAAA members who expresses a particular interest in that area. We invite you to become part of the drive for a more ecologically sensitive approach to agriculture and horticulture and hence a regenerative energy in the life of rural communities.
Our Vision, Mission & Objectives
Vision
To develop bio-diverse landscapes, biologically enriched soil, healthy food, and vibrant communities through ecologically, holistic and ethically driven processes.
Mission
To coordinate the activities of the five pillars to ensure a strong connection between the vision and the objectives as outlined.
Objectives
- Implementation of the objectives as outlined for the pillars of the organization: ecology; farming; food; education; and, ethics.
- To foster ways of thinking that enhance an understanding of biodiversity and its value, reflects awareness of connections and relationships, and appreciates the power of systems and emergent properties.
- To raise the profile of ecological farming/horticulture processes and its relevance to the needs of an Australian society facing diminishing oil reserves and concerns regarding climate change.
- To appreciate that humans are one thread amongst many threads in the web of life. To recognize and respect all forms of life.
- To promote an ecological approach to sustainability in the interest of generations to follow.
- To support policies that encourages the growth of communities as a fundamental component of ecological thinking and behaviour.