The Practices - Agroecology in Action - page 145

within each of the ten partnerships that have used this strategy. BIOS cre-
ated a template for integrated farming systems by presenting a complete
menu of options but also a framework for learning how to integrate
them effectively. It adapted practices and imaginaries from organic agri-
culture to make them practical for conventional growers. Most of the
pest-control strategies promoted by almond BIOS were fully compatible
with organic practices; growers who did not want to become organic
cited disease and weed concerns. Since the agrochemical revolution,
Cooperative Extension has promoted a package of techniques, some-
times known as Best Management Practices. In contrast, BIOS encour-
aged growers to perceive and think of their farm differently, as an
ecological system, not as an assemblage of crop plants. The BIOS for
Almonds manual presented an integrated farming systems approach
based on four principles:
Feed the soil first.
Make a home for predators.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Work with nature. 27
The first principle is taken from the organic farming movement. BIOS
framed pest management as a farming activity fully integrated with other
components of the farming system. Learning about pest management in
the BIOS partnerships, at least according to the manual, was secondary
to learning a new approach to thinking about the farming system. BIOS
encouraged growers to approach their farming systems as an ecosystem
as much as possible, and allow nature to work for them. The fourth prin-
ciple refers more to an ideal mindset rather than any practices. 28 Thus,
BIOS tried to emphasize a broad framework for learning about one's
farming system and working creatively with its components. BIOS lead-
ers would often have to resort to describing individual practices (e.g.,
cover crops) to explain how it differs from conventional farming, but
they tried very hard to emphasize that it was more an alternative,
integrated approach to farming than a collection of discrete alternative
practices.
The BIOS for Almonds manual follows the farming system through-
out the year, presenting knowledge in a way that is most meaningful to
a grower's annual planning, following biological time. Leaders invested