Agroecology and the transition towards more sustainable food systems

A better understanding of the potential of agroecological approaches in achieving more sustainable food systems was the focus of the special event “Agroecology - Knowledge to make a difference.” The event was organized within the framework of the Knowledge Centre for Global Food and Nutrition Security (KC-FNS) Steering Committee.

Director for Planet and Prosperity at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO), Carla Montesi, opened the event by underscoring the need for a stronger link between action on the ground, research and policy on agroecology.

Director for Sustainable Resources of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), Giovanni de Santi, reflected on the role of agroecology in developing more sustainable food systems worldwide.

FAO joined  a panel discussion moderated by the Head of Unit for Rural Development, Food Security and Nutrition at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO), Leonard Mizzi. Other participants included the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and other stakeholders.

FAO presented the study “The 10 Elements of Agroecology: enabling transitions towards sustainable agriculture and food systems through visual narratives.” The speakers discussed mainstreaming and operationalizing knowledge on agroecology while translating it into a concrete transition to more sustainable food production and food systems.

You can find more information on FAO’s work on agroecology here.