Agroecology, grounded in science and global field experience, is a transformative approach to creating socially responsible, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable agrifood systems. By applying ecological principles and fostering equitable value chains, it enhances productivity and fair returns while addressing major challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The approach is gaining global momentum, evidenced by growing country coalitions and private sector interest in related practices like regenerative agriculture.
Several European policies and significant cooperation programmes and research investments promote agroecology and sustainable agriculture. The EU’s 2025 vision emphasizes resilient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food systems aligned with climate and biodiversity goals, highlighting agroecology’s appeal to younger farmers combining economic and environmental benefits.
Globally, agroecology aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative by supporting climate adaptation, biodiversity, sustainable investments, and green value chains in partner countries through collaborative research and community engagement.
Additionally, agroecology plays a vital role in fragile and conflict-affected regions by fostering resilience and sustainable recovery. The EU’s Group on Agroecology, created through a co-creative process, aims to guide staff in delegations, geographical and thematic units, in better understanding agroecology and how it can be promoted and mainstreamed in consistency with EU strategies for a sustainable future.
