"Exploring the Barriers and Levers to Agroecology in Europe" - Summary of an online presentation

Sustainable agriculture is no longer just an idea or a right of choice, it is an absolute necessity. Organic food production contributes to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, the survival of small farms and the well-being of farmers. It is important to find a way not only to cultivate the land, but to work with it in a way that preserves soil fertility and good harvests.

The way to do this is by implementing agroecological practices, most of which have been known for decades but are neglected due to the widespread use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals. The main goal of the project Agroecology - TRANSECT is to show farmers and industry the possibilities and the potential of agroecology.

As a result of the project, a broad network of agro-ecological initiatives will be created, which will continue to exist independently, outside the project framework – currently there are about 80. To achieve this, 11 innovation hubs were created in the countries participating in the project, including Bulgaria.

What is agroecology? These are solutions to sustainable food systems that can be easily adapted to local conditions. Check out the 13 agroecological principles that summarize how this transition can actually happen. These principles were defined by high-level experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

What are the main barriers to the agroecological transition?

1) Lack of knowledge on the application of agroecological practices – for example, on direct seeding.

2) Lack of consistency in regulatory documents at European, national and local level regarding agro-ecology. Insufficient support and promotion of the consumption of agroecological products. Lack of financing for farmers who apply such practices, which is key for the initial phase of the transition from conventional to agroecological farming.

3) Limited economic profitability for farmers applying agroecological practices. This is also due to the low level of demand for agroecological products, since consumers do not know or understand their benefits on a mass scale.

4) Lack of awareness of the seriousness and need for urgent measures to address climate change. This includes both consumers and farmers themselves, who do not recognize the need for sustainable agriculture.

5) Lack of adapted machinery and infrastructure.

Overcoming these barriers requires individual solutions, built for each specific project or initiative. That is why the Innovation hubs within the project aim to provide practical advice from experts and exchange of experience through a communication network.

To learn what barriers some of the agroecological initiatives in Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands have faced and what solutions they have implemented to achieve success, watch the video.