What is Agroecology?
Agroecology is a systems approach to growing food which puts both human and planetary health and wellbeing at its centre. Its ethics and practices support the concept that nutritious, affordable food should be accessible to everyone, and grown in a way which does not exceed the limits of the earth's resources.
Agroecology is a science, a set of practices and a social movement. It has expanded from a focus on farming to the whole food system. It connects the ecology, culture, technology, economics and politics of food systems, from production through to consumption.
10 ELEMENTS - define agroecology in a global and inclusive way
(FAO Agroecology Knowledge Hub)
13 PRINCIPLES - list the practices and the concepts that must be applied for an agroecological transition
Agroecology is recognised by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and is described as….
….a holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems. It seeks to optimize the interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while also addressing the need for socially equitable food systems within which people can exercise choice over what they eat and how and where it is produced.
Barleybird CIC works to support food systems and activities which are in line with this agroecological approach. Our primary focus is on communities, farmers and growers in the UK.
Read more about agroecology on the Agroecology Coalition’s website and the FAO Agroecology Knowledge Hub.