From concept to movement – a tailwind for agroecology

Whereas the first Agroecology Day in 2024 had been about establishing a common understanding of agroecology, this year's event looked at how we can build up a network, strengthen cross-sector connections and spark new collaborations. With this in mind, actors from civil society, practice (agroecological farmers, bakers, etc.), science and politics came together to engage in discussions about experiences, what has been learnt and challenges in agroecology. Strategies for the future were discussed as well.

On the one hand, the current context of multiple crises is hampering agroecological transition. Social and development budgets are sacrificed for military expenditure, and human rights-based policies are being rolled back.

On the other, the meeting highlighted agroecology as an invaluable common vision providing for encouraging storytelling. And it showed that there was no better point for unfolding stories than the basis of life – our food systems. One of agroecology’s assets is that it includes everyone – whether we be farmers, fishers, Indigenous people, foragers, pastoralists, food processors or consumers. No matter how little or big our actions, if they are guided by building more just and environmentally sustainable food systems, these actions are agroecological. Practices such as genetic modification, monocropping or the production and utilisation of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides as well as abusive working conditions are ruled out. Agroecology strengthens small-scale farming, ensuring fairly paid work and equitable access to resources such as land and water. In line with food sovereignty and the right to food, agroecology promotes a healthy, diversified, locally and culturally appropriate diet – in Germany and world-wide.

Senegal taking the lead

Mamadou Sow, from the Senegalese organisation Enda Pronat, impressed the German audience with his presentation on agroecology in Senegal. He emphasised the importance of political will and supportive policies for scaling up agroecology. The agroecological platform DyTAES (Dynamique pour une Transition Agroécologique au Sénégal, Dynamics for an Agroecological Platform in Senegal), incorporating more than 90 actors, is in constant dialogue with the Senegalese agricultural ministry, and is developing strategies on the implementation of agroecology together with it. We  can learn a lot from this powerful movement and the links which have evolved from it between government and civil society. 

Close role models: agroecology in Switzerland

Another positive example was presented by the Agroecology Works! network from our Swiss neighbours. In just a few years, the network was able to include key actors such as the large organic farming organisations and well-known scientific institutions. Agroecology Works! is a highly successful alliance with funds to cover the salaries of two staff members, which has made it possible to conduct a decentralised national Agroecology month with nationwide events each year. As Giulia Simoni from Agroecology Works! stated: “If Switzerland can do it, Germany can too!”    

Taking the next steps in Germany

Germany is ready for agroecology. This message was heard throughout the day. A myriad of initiatives and groups are engaging in various degrees in agroecology in the country. Whether it be the members of the agroecological practice alliance (APA), the agroforestry community, universities, farmers from community-supported agriculture projects or NGOs, all of them want to go ahead and make agroecology a strong movement in Germany. Participants in the Berlin event were convinced that, with the right structures and support, Germany had a strong potential to build a vibrant, well-connected agroecology movement. 

Jan Dreier is policy advisor on the right to food in Germany and on agroecology at FIAN Germany.
Contact:  j.dreier(at)fian.de

Tina Marie Jahn is policy advisor on global agriculture and nutrition at INKOTA-network.
Contact: jahn@inkota.de

Simone Ramones is programme coordinator for agroecological projects at the Weltfriedensdienst e. V.
Contact: ramones(at)wfd.de