This session will address the restoration of marginal land through the implementation of natural farming systems that enhance biodiversity of native species and integrate habitat remnants. Emphasis will be placed on the economic benefits of increasing biodiversity in natural farming systems and these system’s potential to restore the social capital of local communities. The United States has lost farmland at the rate of 20 acres min-1 since 1970. Seventy-five percent of U.S. fruit, vegetable and dairy, are located on urban edge farms, where they are susceptible to development. These concerns have led to support for natural farming systems on urban fringes that integrate buffer areas for wildlife and tie urban food consumers to local producers. Intensive agricultural systems have eliminated many of the natural habitats and features of agricultural landscapes. Restoring these features will require integration of ecological principles with the social and economic needs of rural communities. In developing countries the emphasis is on increasing agricultural production with concomitant stress on natural systems. Soil loss in developing countries is twice that of the US. Increased monocrop production in South America has resulted in the loss of habitat and small farmers. There is a need to focus on designing agricultural systems that contribute to the global economy without degrading the environmental or social welfare of an area. This session provides examples of agroecological restoration in North America and Latin America. It is intended to encourage scientists to collaborate across disciplines. The natural systems to be discussed will include: pastures and hayfields in which native plant species have been reintroduced, farming systems that enhance wetland habitat and the restoration of degraded plantation lands through the implementation of agroforestry management. North American and international farming systems will be integrated through several talks on fair trade illustrating that local communities can contribute to the international market place without harm to the local ecosystem, economy and social network.