Agroecological practices are increasingly recognized for their ability to enhance resilience and reduce environmental impacts in tropical farming systems. However, their uptake and effects remain less explored in temperate, industrialized agricultural contexts like the Netherlands. This study examines how Dutch farmers are integrating agroecological practices and assesses their potential to enhance income resilience.

Data from over 700 farms were analyzed using an Agroecology Index based on the FAO's 10 Elements of Agroecology. The analysis identified spatial patterns and categorized farms into "bright spots" and "dark spots" based on their performance. Notably, arable farms scored high on diversity, while livestock farms excelled in efficiency. The highest agroecology scores were concentrated in Flevoland, a province with a strong organic farming presence. Importantly, higher agroecology scores correlated with more stable incomes, regardless of farm size or type.

These findings offer valuable insights for understanding the benefits of agroecological practices in temperate regions. They also highlight pathways for scaling up agroecology in contexts where industrial farming dominates, demonstrating its potential to support sustainable agriculture at both farm and regional levels.