As agroecology has become more popular, definitions have proliferated. Some of these reflect minimalist interpretations of agroecology as just a few sustainable agronomic practices, while others are more expansive and recognise that agroecology is concerned with transformation of the entire food system. As a network, we developed a position paper to communicate the understanding of agroecology that underpins the work of RAENS members.

We build from the definition used by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS):

“Agroecological approaches favour the use of natural processes, limit the use of purchased inputs, promote closed cycles with minimal negative externalities and stress the importance of local knowledge and participatory processes that develop knowledge and practice through experience, as well as more conventional scientific methods, and address social inequalities. Agroecological approaches recognise that agrifood systems are coupled to social–ecological systems, from food production to consumption and involve science, practice and a social movement, as well as their holistic integration, to address food security and nutrition” (HLPE 2019).

Our understanding is grounded in the HLPE’s 13 principles and the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) 10 elements of agroecology. Read our position paper here.