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 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.

Agroecology is concurrently a science, a set of practices and a social movement and has evolved as a concept over recent decades to expand in scope from a focus on fields and farms to encompass the entirety of agriculture and food systems. It now represents a transdisciplinary field that includes the ecological, socio-cultural, technological, economic and political dimensions of food systems, from production to consumption.

The FAO’s vision for agroecology is guided by a framework of 10 elements:

  • Diversity:diversification is key to agroecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources.

  • Co-creation and sharing of knowledge: agricultural innovations respond better to local challenges when they are co-created through participatory processes.

  • Synergies: building synergies enhances key functions across food systems, supporting production and multiple ecosystem services.

  • Efficiency: innovative agroecological practices produce more using less external resources.

  • Recycling: more recycling means agricultural production with lower economic and environmental costs.

  • Resilience: enhanced resilience of people, communities and ecosystems is key to sustainable food and agricultural systems.

  • Human and social values: protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equity and social well-being is essential for sustainable food and agricultural systems.

  • Culture and food traditions: by supporting healthy, diversified and culturally appropriate diets, agroecology contributes to food security and nutrition while maintaining the health of ecosystems.

  • Responsible governance: sustainable food and agriculture requires responsible and effective governance mechanisms at different scales – from local to national to global.

  • Circular and solidarity economy: circular and solidarity economies that reconnect producers and consumers provide innovative solutions for living within our planetary boundaries while ensuring the social foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

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 FAO Agroecology Knowledge Hub.