Food systems are facing major constraints, notably climate change and societal expectations, and are at an historic crossroads. Given the accelerating impact of global warming on resources such as water, as well as extreme weather events that ravage crops or destroy homes and infrastructure, and the depletion of soils and disappearance of plant and animal species, humanity is at a crossroads for ensuring the planet’s habitability. It is becoming crucial to find a fair, viable and relevant way of reducing the damage to natural resources and increasing resilience, while controlling the factors that contribute to the planet’s limits being exceeded. This must be done while respecting the fundamental rights and aspirations of human communities. In addition to climate-related challenges, other pressures on the planet’s resources, such as demographics and anthropogenic damage to biodiversity, are calling into question the very habitability of the planet.

Agriculture, as a key player in land use, food security and the health of cultivated agroecosystems, is at the heart of concerns. However, all partners in food systems, in the broadest sense, must also take account of global limits. Agroecology has long positioned itself as a credible alternative for transforming farming and food practices, highlighting the crucial social factors needed to support these changes.

The players involved in transforming food systems are exploring different solutions on a global scale to fight against the overexploitation of natural resources by drawing on biological and cultural diversity. To define community roadmaps, whether urban or rural, the agroecological transition and the political decisions that support it are influenced by crucial themes and principles. To have an impact, these must be shared, understood, and catalyzed within civil society, represented by consumers and social movements, as well as in scientific and political governance bodies.

Some aspects of agroecology, such as biological control of crop predators, the use of weather alerts to trigger biopesticide treatments, and the use of organic compost to regenerate soils, can be applied systematically in areas with a variety of environmental conditions. However, because of the influence of many natural factors on the health of plants and animals, adjustments on a local scale, such as districts, departments, valleys, or mountain ranges, are necessary to guarantee agroecological production of greater quantity and quality than conventional farming. Consumers themselves play a crucial role through their purchasing decisions, as do changes in the scale of food processing and distribution. The social issues behind consumer choices, fundamental rights and public ethics are also at stake in the agroecological transition of food systems.

As part of a rigorous selection process, we are proposing to bring together researchers and local players from Switzerland and neighboring countries, as well as from other countries around the world, as well as innovators in food systems. The aim is to discuss the role and scope of agroecological principles at the heart of their actions.

The conference provides a platform for discussion and exchange around concrete examples of systems supported by the principles of agroecology, on both small and large scale. It brings together the scientific community, local stakeholders, farmers, consumers, development agents, as well as decision-makers in governance bodies and international experts.

The sessions are structured as follows: 

• Session 1: Principles and practices of agroecological production and supply for cities: Exploration of agroecological principles adapted to the urban context and their practical applications for sustainable food production - Case studies on the successful implementation of agroecological practices in urban agriculture projects and urban regions. 
• Session 2: Impact of agroecology on food security and nutrition in cities: Analyses of the contribution of agroecology to improving access to fresh, local and nutritious food in urban areas - Assessment of the impact of agroecological initiatives on food diversity and public health in urban areas - Discussions on the integration of agroecology into food security and land-use planning policies in urban areas - Examples of synergies between agroecology, short food circuits and local markets in cities. 
• Session 3: Challenges and opportunities for agroecological production and supply in cities: Identification of the main obstacles to the adoption of agroecology for supplying urban areas and proposals for solutions - Prospects for the future development of agroecology as a pillar of sustainable urban food systems. 
• Session 4: Community involvement and citizen participation: Analysis of the importance of community involvement and citizen participation in the success of agroecological initiatives for cities - Studies on the role of agroecology education and awareness-raising in promoting a sustainable food culture in urban areas.