Agroecology in Europe. Research, Education, Collective Action Networks, and Alternative Food Systems

This paper (published in Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041214) attempts to document and provide a mapping of the development of European agroecology in its diverse forms. Through a literature review, interviews, active conference participation, and an extensive internet search we have collected information about the current state and development of agroecology in Europe. Agroecological research and higher education exist more in western and northern Europe, but farm schools and farmer-to-farmer training are also resent in other regions. Today a large variety of topics are studied at research institutions. There is an increasing number of bottom-up agroecological initiatives and national or continental networks and movements. Important movements are around food sovereignty, access to land and seeds. Except for France, there are very few concrete policies for agroecology in Europe. Agroecology is increasingly linked to different fields of agri-food systems. This includes Community Supported Agriculture systems, but also agroecological territories, and some examples of labelling products. To amplify agroecology in Europe in the coming years, policy development will be crucial and proponents of agroecology must join forces and work hand-in-hand with the many stakeholders engaged in initiatives to develop more sustainable agriculture and food systems.

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Title Agroecology in Europe. Research, Education, Collective Action Networks, and Alternative Food Systems
Description This paper (published in Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041214) attempts to document and provide a mapping of the development of European agroecology in its diverse forms. Through a literature review, interviews, active conference participation, and an extensive internet search we have collected information about the current state and development of agroecology in Europe. Agroecological research and higher education exist more in western and northern Europe, but farm schools and farmer-to-farmer training are also resent in other regions. Today a large variety of topics are studied at research institutions. There is an increasing number of bottom-up agroecological initiatives and national or continental networks and movements. Important movements are around food sovereignty, access to land and seeds. Except for France, there are very few concrete policies for agroecology in Europe. Agroecology is increasingly linked to different fields of agri-food systems. This includes Community Supported Agriculture systems, but also agroecological territories, and some examples of labelling products. To amplify agroecology in Europe in the coming years, policy development will be crucial and proponents of agroecology must join forces and work hand-in-hand with the many stakeholders engaged in initiatives to develop more sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Agroecology Category
  • Seed management
  • Sustainable food system
  • Collaboration
  • Supportive policies
Agroecology Keyword
  • Certification
  • Sustainable food system
  • Food security
  • Food sovereignety
  • Urban agriculture
  • Community participation
Contributing organisations Heinrich Böll Stiftung - The Green Political Foundation
Author Alexander Wezel, Julia Goette, Elisabeth Lagneaux, Gloria Passuello, Erica Reisman, Christophe Rodier and Grégoire Turpin
Year 2018
Type of document Research articles
Language English
Spatial Information
Country Europe
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
Web Link https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041214