Controversial topics in agroecology: A European perspective

Paola Migliorini,Alain Peeters,Paolo Bàrberi,Vassilis D. Gkisakis,Tommaso Gaifami,Alexander Wezel,Stéphane Bellon

doi:10.7764/ijanr.v47i3.2265

Abstract

Seven potential controversial topics in agroecology are presented and discussed from a European perspective comparing the position of Agroecology Europe (AEEU) obtained from an iterative, participatory approach with members and compared with published literature, including views from other parts of the world. The seven controversial topics as follows: i) use of agrochemicals; ii) small-scale and peasant farming versus larger farms; iii) technological innovations in agriculture and precision farming; iv) biotechnology and genetic engineering in agriculture; v) local and short food circuits; vi) social justice; vii) gender perspective. The analysis shows that there are diverse points of view related to geographical area and sociopolitical contexts. However, there are several convergences in the ambition to redesign farming and food systems, as a lever acting on several topics, and in considering agroecology with a holistic, participatory, multiactor approach for the needed transition.

Highlights

The use of the term “agroecology” has developed more strongly across Europe over the last three decades than in other parts of the world, International Journal of Agriculture and Natural ResourcesAltieri (1987 and 1995) by extending the concept to include “the ecology of food system[s]” (Francis et al, 2003)
Agroecology, in its most transformative and political version, represents a framework that is centered on the synergistic relationships between, on the one hand, people and nature and, on the other hand, knowledge and the rights of food, in addition to the decentering of profit, market, technology transfer and similar elements of “mainstream development” (Anderson et al, 2019)
The agroecological approach has become increasingly relevant in Europe, where significant environmental and social problems emerged after the intensification and industrialization of agricultural and food systems, such as the loss of biodiversity, the contamination of soils, water, and food with pesticides, the eutrophication of water bodies, the high use of antibiotics in the livestock sector, and the decline of farm numbers and farmers’ revenues, which have led to serious problems for human and agroecosystem health and for rural communities

Summary

Introduction

The use of the term “agroecology” has developed more strongly across Europe over the last three decades than in other parts of the world, . Three elements and interpretations of agroecology as a science, a social movement and a set of practices coexist (Wezel et al, 2009) In this framework, the transition towards more sustainable food systems should include environmental, economic, social, cultural and political issues. Agroecology Europe (AEEU) is an association founded in 2016 with the goal of placing agroecology high on the European agenda of the sustainable development of farming and food systems. It intends to foster interactions between actors in science, practice and social movements by facilitating knowledge sharing and action. The process and outcomes of this participatory process are presented and discussed along with other opinions found in the literature

Methods

Findings

A European perspective on controversial topics in agroecology