The world of agroecology has been in mourning since 23 April 2021 with the death of Professor Francisco Roberto Caporal - one of the pioneers of agroecology in Brazil and throughout Latin America. An agronomist with a deep background in rural extension and agroecology, Professor Caporal dedicated his life to building transformative agroecology, centered on the co-collaboration of knowledge among farmers, social movements, academia and research institutions. He had been at the forefront of innovative policy proposals such as the Agroecological Rural Extension Program in Brazil, and of the Brazilian Policy on Agroecology. He was the founder and president (2008-2011) of the Brazilian Association of Agroecology (ABA), as well as a founder of the Latin American Scientific Society of Agroecology (SOCLA). He was currently a professor of rural extension at the Rural Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil and was collaborating with the International University of Andalucía (UNIA) in Spain and in several courses in Latin America. Professor Caporal was a reference in the training of thousands of professionals in Latin America, and his books and articles will continue to guide students, farmers, and public administrators around the world.

FAO Agroecology Team acknowledges his enormous contribution and his legacy in building more sustainable and just rural development. As it is said in Brazil: ‘He will always be there, now he has become a seed’’.

Photo credits: Facebook