Agroecology aims to comprehensively transform food and farming systems in all dimensions, from production to distribution and consumption as well as governance. The aim is to achieve greater environmental and societal benefits while reversing the negative effects caused by existing food systems. Yet, an agroecological transformation – involving a range of transitions in relation to the above-mentioned dimensions of farming and food systems – requires valuing agroecology and making available investments that strengthen innovative agroecological approaches, support new (types of) markets, and help food system actors break free of current lock-ins. Knowing where the constraints and challenges lie, as well as knowing how these could be addressed, is important for enhancing existing strategies and policies, overcoming piecemeal engineering and window dressing, and taking advantage of the full potential of agroecology.

This policy brief provides a short synthesis of insights that emerged from various interactions with key stakeholders involved in the co-creation of the European Network for Agroecological Food systems (ENAF), the various strands of work done as part of Agroecology for Europe (AE4EU), and recent literature. This is meant to complement already ongoing initiatives in Europe such as the EU Agroecology Partnership.