This article reflects on the challenges and opportunities faced by agroecologists working within established agricultural institutions, as illustrated by a USDA-funded summit on agroecology held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2023. The commentary, authored by members of the Institute for Agroecology (IFA) at the University of Vermont, highlights the tension between the transformative goals of agroecology and the dominant narratives of industrial agriculture.

Participants at the summit expressed concerns about the potential co-optation of agroecology by the USDA, fearing it could be reduced to a set of practices that "green" industrial agriculture without addressing systemic inequities. The event's organizers responded by amplifying the voices of small-scale farmers, Indigenous communities, and civil society organizations, emphasizing the need for inclusive collaboration and equitable participation in shaping agroecological futures.

The discussions underscored the importance of dismantling the hierarchies that prioritize Western scientific knowledge while marginalizing local and Indigenous expertise. By fostering co-learning, respect, and solidarity, the summit sought to create a more inclusive and legitimate foundation for agroecology in the U.S.

The commentary concludes by advocating for collaborative, transdisciplinary approaches that integrate diverse knowledge systems and empower all actors in the food system. The summit’s critical dialogues and calls for inclusion are viewed as a pivotal step in advancing agroecology as a movement for just and resilient food systems. This process, while challenging, is essential for achieving the transformative change envisioned by agroecologists.