Over twenty years ago, a group of pioneering farmers and social organisations charted a path for ‘ecological agriculture’ in China. Motivated by a commitment to food safety and a profound dedication to environmental stewardship, they began cultivating the land without pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, or herbicides.
Whether they were newcomers starting from scratch or conventional farmers transitioning to new methods, they likely did not realise at the outset how technically demanding this field would prove to be. At the time, there were very few experts or fellow practitioners in China available to offer guidance.
Since its inception, Foodthink has stood alongside them. We have chronicled the stories of more than forty small-scale ecological farmers, consistently tracked the development of ecological agriculture across China, and come to appreciate its diversity and potential. Along the way, we have witnessed both the personal transformations and the unwavering commitment of our farming community.
● In January 2019, Foodthink and the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market co-hosted the Ecological Farmers’ Assembly at China Agricultural University, bringing together ecological farmers, consumers, and sales platforms.We have observed that, as the sector has developed, many producers have gradually worked out a range of locally adapted ecological agriculture techniques. Ecological farming experts are increasingly heading out to the fields to guide growers, while training and exchanges among various grassroots ecological farming schools have further advanced the practical application and refinement of these cultivation methods. How exactly does ecological agriculture harness a deep understanding of natural ecosystems to produce healthy, flavourful crops without relying on chemical inputs? And what common principles across different farming methods and technical schools can newcomers draw upon?
Foodthink has compiled a selection of past articles discussing ecological agriculture techniques, in the hope that they will prove useful to those just starting out, and to foster greater understanding among consumers for both ecological farming and the growers behind it.
I. Pest and disease management: “Prevention over cure”
Without resorting to chemical insecticides, fungicides, or other synthetic inputs, “prevention over cure” stands as a cornerstone principle of pest and disease management in ecological agriculture. At its heart, it focuses on maintaining the balance of the farmland ecosystem, boosting biodiversity and soil health to strengthen crops’ natural resilience, thereby reducing reliance on agrochemicals.
● Left: Grower Li Lijun from Shandong introduces ladybirds to control aphids in his apple orchards; right: at Xiqing Farm in Beijing, cabbage white caterpillars feeding on beans are naturally parasitised and killed by spontaneously occurring *Beauveria bassiana* fungus.
The first step in pest prevention is to “learn to observe”. By recording crop growth cycles, monitoring the causes and patterns of pest outbreaks, and understanding the relationship between climatic conditions, crop development, and infestations, you can identify their vulnerabilities for targeted management.
Growers have also observed that not every insect or weed detrimental to crop growth needs to be completely eradicated. On the contrary, fields rich in biodiversity provide a habitat for various predatory insects and microorganisms. By leveraging the natural checks and balances between species, a more resilient food web can be established.
● In the biodiverse fields at Tianfu Garden in Beijing, weeds growing alongside the vegetables help keep pest populations in check, while wildflowers and grasses provide nectar and habitat for a variety of insects, effectively preventing widespread outbreaks of pests and diseases.
Intercropping and crop diversification offer inherent advantages in preventing large-scale pest and disease outbreaks. Furthermore, natural predators can be actively introduced for biological control, or homemade botanical sprays can be used to bolster the resilience of crops and soil.
II. Soil Management: Sustaining Soil Fertility
As the fundamental source of nutrients for crops, the importance of soil management in ecological agriculture that avoids synthetic fertilisers is self-evident. At the heart of nutrient management in this approach lies the maintenance and enhancement of the soil’s natural fertility. By employing techniques such as retaining ground cover, cultivating green manures, and adopting no-till practices, farmers transform weeds that would otherwise compete with crops into living compost factories. Allowing these plants to grow and decompose naturally encourages the build-up of organic matter and boosts microbial diversity in the soil, ultimately sustaining a natural cycle of fertility.
● Left: After the rice harvest at Dali’s Guiling Farm, rice straw is spread as mulch to return organic matter to the soil; Right: In Guangxi, ecological farmer Xie Yanping cuts grass in the Xingfu Guo Baicaoyuan. Mowing at the right time to control grass growth and harness it for the soil is a key practice in retaining ground cover.● Fallen citrus fruit left in the orchard to decompose and naturally fertilise the soil are coated in a white layer of beneficial microbes. This indicates a healthy soil microbial environment, capable of rapidly breaking down and assimilating organic matter.
Furthermore, growing a diverse range of crops, maintaining vegetation cover, and practising conservation tillage can also significantly improve soil structure and enhance soil vitality.
III. Meticulous Cultivation in Harmony with Nature
Ecological agriculture emphasises respect for and adaptation to natural principles, but this does not mean that farm management can simply be left unattended.
●Left: Strawberry cultivation using “imported soil” at Beijing Xiqing Farm. The strawberry beds are filled with a nutrient-rich mix personally prepared by farm owner Wang Xin, which is fine-tuned each year to suit changing conditions. Right: During the strawberry growing season, Wang Xin removes the strawberry runners every morning to direct nutrients into the existing flowers and fruit.
While field crops are generally managed with a broader, less intensive approach, fruit cultivation—particularly strawberries—demands meticulous monitoring and intervention across temperature, light, nutrition, and moisture levels.
Technologically intensive vegetable farms operate on strict production plans tailored to local microclimates and crop growth cycles. They carefully blend nutritionally balanced seed-raising compost, replicate natural conditions to create leaf mould, and employ soil solarisation for disinfection, ensuring every aspect of the growing environment is meticulously managed.
Unlike conventional agriculture, which is often driven solely by the pursuit of maximum yield, ecological farming champions a holistic approach. Rather than focusing narrowly on crop output and quality, it situates agricultural practices within the broader context of the entire ecosystem. While agricultural science may be divided into specialisms such as soil science, crop cultivation, and plant pathology, practical exchanges among growers make it abundantly clear that every intervention has far-reaching consequences. A single adjustment can ripple through the system, impacting the health of the soil, plants, insects, and microorganisms alike. When managed thoughtfully, these practices routinely yield compounded benefits: restored habitats, enhanced biodiversity, and efficient resource cycling.
IV. Farming Methods and Schools of Practice
Alongside documenting the cultivation techniques of ecological smallholder farmers in China, Foodthink also explores agricultural philosophies and farming systems across the globe, examining how they navigate the relationships between people, nature, and crops. Through our coverage of various approaches—including permaculture, natural farming, Australian biodynamic agriculture, and regenerative agriculture—we have found that while their underlying philosophies, historical development, and specific technical measures differ, they all fundamentally centre on core objectives such as enhancing soil health and rebuilding farmland ecosystems. Through long-term research and hands-on application by farmers and scientists worldwide, these approaches have gradually evolved into practical frameworks tailored to local conditions.
Moreover, the shared principles across these farming methods far outweigh their differences.
We have observed that many seasoned farmers refuse to be confined by a single methodology. Rather, once they have mastered the underlying principles, they synthesize and adapt these approaches to suit their own circumstances. By continuously refining and tailoring practices to local conditions, they ensure that diverse farming systems are truly harnessed for their own benefit.
V. Dissemination and Field Practice
From grasping scientific principles to putting farming methods and techniques into practice, and from drawing on traditional knowledge to applying modern technology, developing ecological agriculture requires more than just support for production techniques; it demands a deep understanding and reflection on the needs and values of fellow farmers. Over the past decade, a number of ecological agriculture training programmes and ‘field schools’, led primarily by farmers themselves, have emerged. As they learn, farmers have strengthened their communication with one another, gradually fostering what can truly be called ‘learning communities’.
● In 2021, Guangxi Guoren hosted an ecological agriculture soil cultivation course. The photo above shows an instructor and farmers making compost together by hand, learning through hands-on practice.● Group photo from the 2023 autumn in-person training course on Australian bio-dynamic farming. Image source: Lvwo Farm● Li Jun, a farmer from Shandong (first on the left), is frequently invited to different regions to share techniques with young farmers engaged in ecological agriculture.
Despite China’s rich and deeply rooted agricultural culture and traditions, industrial agriculture continues to surge forward, bolstered by both policy and capital. Ecological agriculture remains a niche, even marginal, sector in the country. Small-scale ecological farmers scattered across the regions—particularly the younger generation newly entering the field—still require sustained support. For ecological agriculture to continue taking root and flourishing across broader rural landscapes, farmers must grasp the scientific principles that underpin it and master the techniques that best suit their circumstances.
Building on three consecutive years of running the ‘Ecological Agriculture Internship Project’, in 2024 Foodthink will also partner with scientists, agricultural technical experts, experienced ecological farmers, and partner organisations that have been working in rural communities for many years to deliver agricultural training programmes tailored to the practical needs of small-scale ecological farmers.
We invite interested farmers to click here to complete our technical needs questionnaire and let us know exactly what you require. Those who submit the form will have the opportunity to receive scholarships that cover or reduce training fees.
Meanwhile, preparations for the ecological agriculture technical training are well underway. We welcome partners and supporters interested in ecological agriculture to keep following Foodthink for the latest updates.
