How can combining research, practice, and policy in a systematic approach contribute to strengthening the implementation of European policies on sustainable agro-ecological farming whilst solving societal challenges?
Science has a role in contributing with knowledge to environmental and sustainability education, and translating new advancements into messages in the specific language of various actors, to assist policy and value chain actors including consumers in the transition towards sustainable food systems.
Definition of agro-ecology and typology of agro-ecological farming systems: In UNISECO we developed a typology of agro-ecological farming systems and practices encompassing different implementation scales of such practices at field, farming systems and landscape levels.
Agro-ecological transitions: farm-level strategies: All the 15 UNISECO Case Studies contain a key dilemma associated with the transition to agro-ecological farming systems. Explore the different scopes and topics our case studies cover.
Territorial sustainability impacts of agro-ecological transitions: We assessed the territorial impact of agro-ecological farming practices and food systems transformation in the EU in 2050.
Socio-ecological systems framework for agro-ecological transitions: To analyse the transition of farming systems, in UNISECO we adapted the theoretical framework of socio-ecological systems (SES) developed by Ostrom. This framework provides a holistic approach to integrating both the natural and the social aspects when analysing a complex situation or problem.
Networks of actors and governance systems in agro-ecological transitions: One of the key aspects developed in the socio-ecological systems framework is the analysis of the social system. It is composed of two sub-systems: the network of actors involved and the governance systems that influence the actions undertaken by the actors.
Market and policy incentives: Our findings highlighted that the existing market and policy incentives such as agri-environmental schemes and support for advisory services have positive effects on the decisions of farmers to adopt more ecological practices and motivate farmers to initiate or continue the transition. What are the key positive factors identified?
Science-policy interaction: The UNISECO project results are intended to contribute to the implementation of the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the preparations of the European R&I partnership on agroecology living labs and research infrastructures, and the national CAP Strategic Plans.
Transdisciplinary Multi-actor platforms: MAPs have been a core part of the transdisciplinary approach in UNISECO. The MAPs and research consortium, across disciplinary boundaries and non-academic organisations, form an integrative transdisciplinary framework.
Tools from UNISECO: The methodological factsheets offer actors from science, practice and policy guidelines for applying different methodologies when developing strategies for agro-ecological transitions in co-constructive settings.
Tools from UNISECO: Socio-Ecological System Interaction Tool (SESSIT) focuses on the dilemma of sustainable food production and communicates agro-ecological solutions between farmers and with other people interested in food production.
Tools from UNISECO: Practice briefs - UNISECO has also produced a series of recommendations for practitioners and policy makers to identify issues and promote good practices.
Further research needs: There is a lot of scope and potential for research and innovation in the field of agro-ecological transitions. What are the future research needs that we encountered during the continuous multi-actor discussions?
Further research needs
Recommendations for future research within a European R&I partnership on agroecology living labs and research infrastructures
Based on an improved understanding of socioeconomic and policy barriers of drivers of agro-ecological farming in the EU, the UNISECO project co-constructed strategies for agro-ecological transitions with actors in case studies in 15 European countries. Sustainability impacts of the implementation of agro-ecological practices were assessed at farm and territorial level.
The final project conference took place on the 18th and 19th March 2021. The digital event brought together more than 350 attendees from 35 countries to discuss lessons learnt and emerging key issues for supporting agro-ecological transitions, and to identify future research needs and actions to enhance those transitions.
Roundtable discussion of future research needs
The roundtable discussion involved a panel of experts comprising representatives of DG Agri, the FAO, farmer associations, the Strategic Working Group of SCAR-AKIS, the UNISECO project and members of its Scientific Advisory Board, and the ALL-Ready and LIFT projects. Views were exchanged, through a transdisciplinary lens, on the needs for future research for agro-ecological transitions. In particular, the roundtable discussion identified research needs of relevance to the candidate European R&I partnership on agroecology living labs and research infrastructures.
Recommendations
Based on the principal results of UNISECO and roundtable debate, recommendations have been formulated for future research needs and actions to enhance agro-ecological transitions:
Research -
- improved understanding of how agro-ecological systems interact with expected climate changes, and how agro-ecological transitions can contribute to climate positive farming,
- improved understanding of how to create viable value chains and markets for agro-ecological farming products that can stimulate the upscaling of agro-ecological transitions,
- combine transdisciplinary and disciplinary research to identify how to minimize losses of yield associated with agro-ecological farming practices,
- improved understanding of the social and political factors relevant to overcoming barriers to the adoption of agro-ecological practices,
- co-learning of experiences, successes and failures of local actors of agro-ecological transitions
Actions -
- inform policymakers of the sustainability impacts of different combinations of agro-ecological practices, the contexts in which combinations of practices are effective, and how their implementation can be promoted through policy,
- facilitate fair access for all actors to engage in, and benefit from, research,
- link research on agro-ecological transitions with education, training and citizen focused learning.
Downdload the project brief: