Accepting Agroecology

Are Regenerative Agriculture and Agroecology Accepted by National and International Organizations?

Agroecology has moved from the fringes to the mainstream over the past decade. Its acceptance is now widespread, though the level of commitment and implementation varies.

International Organizations

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The FAO is arguably the leading international champion of agroecology. It hosts the Scaling Up Agroecology Initiative, a major program aimed at transforming food and agricultural systems. The FAO has organized numerous international symposia on agroecology. It views agroecology as a key pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Agroecology can help transform our food systems and address their challenges... it represents a paradigm shift." - FAO Director-General

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

In its reports, the IPCC has recognized agroecology as a climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy. Practices such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and organic amendments sequester carbon in soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food)

This panel has repeatedly called for a fundamental shift towards agroecology. They argue that agroecology offers a more sustainable and resilient model than industrial agriculture.

World Bank & CGIAR

While traditionally focused on high-input agriculture, these institutions are increasingly funding and researching agroecological approaches. They often do this under the umbrella of "climate-smart agriculture" or "sustainable intensification." However, critics argue that this approach sometimes dilutes the transformative social and political principles of agroecology. For more information, visit CGIAR.

National Governments

Acceptance at the national level varies, but several countries have made significant strides.

France

France is a world leader in agroecology. It has an ambitious "Ambition Bio 2022" plan and a national agroecology program that supports farmers in transitioning to practices that reduce pesticide and fertilizer use.

Brazil

Historically, Brazil has been a powerhouse for agroecology, driven by strong social movements like La Vía Campesina and the Landless Workers' Movement (MST). The government supports agroecological practices through its National Policy for Agroecology and Organic Production (PNAPO). However, this support has fluctuated with changing political administrations.

Cuba

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba was forced to adopt low-input, agroecological methods on a massive scale. This transition has made Cuba a global case study in successful agroecological practices.

India

Several states in India, such as Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim, have launched large-scale programs to transition millions of farmers to "Zero-Budget Natural Farming" (ZBNF), a form of agroecology. Notably, Sikkim is now 100% organic.

Mexico & Argentina

Both countries have strong academic and civil society movements promoting agroecology. Some government programs and policies are also in place to support these initiatives.

United States

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been slower to adopt the term "agroecology," often using terms like "sustainable agriculture" or "regenerative agriculture." However, many USDA programs fund research and practices that are fundamentally agroecological. There is growing interest within agencies like the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) in soil health practices that align with agroecology. Acceptance is much stronger at the state level and within leading agricultural universities, such as UC Davis, University of Vermont, and UC Santa Cruz.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

Despite growing acceptance, significant barriers remain:

• Political & Economic Power: The industrial agricultural lobby, including agrochemical, seed, and commodity corporations, is deeply entrenched. This lobby often opposes policies that would reduce dependence on their products.

• Policy Frameworks: Many national agricultural subsidies still incentivize monoculture production of commodity crops like corn, soy, and wheat. This focus detracts from the development of diversified agroecological systems.

  
  

• Research & Funding: The vast majority of public and private agricultural R&D funding continues to be directed toward conventional, input-intensive agriculture. This limits the growth of agroecological practices.

  
  

• Market Access & Infrastructure: Supply chains and infrastructure are often designed for large-scale, uniform commodity production. They are not suited for the diverse products that come from agroecological farms.

  
  

The Future of Agroecology

Embracing Change

As we look to the future, the importance of agroecology cannot be overstated. It offers a pathway to create sustainable food systems that are not only environmentally friendly but also socially just. The principles of agroecology are scientifically sound and address the root causes of environmental and social problems in agriculture.

Global Integration

While agroecology is now accepted and promoted by major international organizations like the FAO and IPCC, its integration into national policies remains uneven. The transition to agroecology on a global scale is not just a technical challenge; it is also a political and economic one. This transition requires a fundamental rethinking of how we produce and consume food.

Building Momentum

The momentum for agroecology is clearly growing. As more countries and organizations recognize its benefits, we can expect to see increased support and implementation. This shift will not only benefit farmers but will also contribute to healthier ecosystems and communities.

Conclusion

Agroecology has evolved from a grassroots and academic concept to a globally recognized framework for creating sustainable and just food systems. While it is now accepted by major international organizations, the journey towards widespread adoption is ongoing. We must continue to advocate for policies and practices that support agroecology. Together, we can foster a future where sustainable and healthy food systems thrive.