Agro-Ecology in the context of Laos
             By: Maiyer Xiong, Faculty of Agriculture, NUOL. Malica member
         Workshop: Enhancing access to food through agro-ecology: exploring existing and desirable visions for 
                     public policies, Montpellier 25 February 2020
     Different types of Agricultural Practices in Laos
    Meaning of different types of agriculture defined by Lao people
    - Conventional Agriculture = 
     => Common farming which most of farmers practices
    - Traditional Agriculture =
     => Natural farming, only manure and composts are allowed to use
    - Pesticide free Agriculture =
     => Chemical pesticide free farming, no chemical pesticide allowed to use
    - Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) =
    = Some chemical inputs are allow to use with the acceptable amount.
    - Organic Agriculture = 
     => no Synthetic chemicals inputs use
    - Agro-Ecology 
    = > Conservation farming, ploughing soil is not allowed, herbicide is used to control weeds
          Clean Agriculture Policy
   Clean Agriculture policy: Sustainable, Clean and Green, Chemical Free 
   and Cheap production cost. Policy aligned with 2030 SDGs
   Sustainable development has been introduced and promoted in Laos 
   >30 years now.
   According to the Department of Agronomy (MAF): 4 standards for clean 
   agriculture: GAP, OA, PEP and Traditional Agriculture
   For consumers, Traditional farm, GAP and Organic 
   products are considered similar or the same 
   “Podsanphit = Chemical free”
   GAP and Organic Agriculture seem more dominant (there 
   are Lao certification body)
               Agro-Ecology
 Agro-Ecology called Conservation Agriculture = in Lao Languague “Kasikam
 Anoulack”. This practice is still limit in the Upland Areas of Laos.? Agro-Egology
 practice is the closest to Lao Traditional Farm Practice.