Agroecology Europe and the term ’agroecology’
The term ’agroecology’ can be understood in different ways. The new association Agroecology Europe has to some extent a focus that differs from AGRO’s.
As I have mentioned previously in Biweekly a new European association called Agroecology Europe has been created; its purpose is to place agroecology high on the European agenda for the sustainable development of farming and food systems. (Read the article Agroecology Europe – a new European association).
The legal details in connection with creating the association are now in place, and it is therefore possible to sign up as a member. This is probably relevant for a number of researchers in AGRO. See details about Agroecology Europe and membership on their website or in the flyer. I hope that Agroecology Europe will be a good meeting place for all who are interested in this subject.
What is agroecology?
In the process of creating Agroecology Europe I have (again) become aware that there is not complete agreement between our department and the outside world with regard to the understanding of what ‘agroecology’ means.
What one probably can call the common understanding of agroecology is stated on the association’s website, namely that it is value laden and a science, a practice as well as a movement. It states that:
“As a science, it gives priority to action research, holistic and participatory approaches, and transdisciplinarity that is inclusive of different knowledge systems.”
and
“As a practice, it is based on sustainable use of local renewable resources, local farmers’ knowledge and priorities, wise use of biodiversity to provide ecosystem services and resilience, and solutions that provide multiple benefits (environmental, economic, social) from local to global.”
Most people will go along with that. But then there is the last statement:
”As a movement, it defends smallholders and family farming, farmers and rural communities, food sovereignty, local and short food supply chains, diversity of indigenous seeds and breeds, healthy and quality food.”
That will in turn probably grate on many ears. My point is that the understanding of the term ’agroecology’ generally is more narrow – and in certain cases far more so – than the broad understanding shared by us in AGRO. I was aware of this difference, but during the work on the new association it was still a surprise that it was so pronounced. Is it a problem? Probably not, and things have gone well so far! But we need to be aware of the differences in the understanding of the term and in the expectations of a department calling itself the Department of Agroecology. Perhaps we should have this in mind the next time we change our name!
That will in turn probably grate on many ears.
My point is that the understanding of the term ’agroecology’ generally is more narrow – and in certain cases far more so – than the broad understanding shared by us in AGRO. I was aware of this difference, but during the work on the new association it was still a surprise that it was so pronounced.
Is it a problem? Probably not, and things have gone well so far! But we need to be aware of the differences in the understanding of the term and in the expectations of a department calling itself the Department of Agroecology. Perhaps we should have this in mind the next time we change our name!