Efforts to transform food systems globally have placed increasing emphasis on agroecology and organic agriculture as potential solutions for achieving sustainable development goals. These practices are recognized for their benefits in terms of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, food security, and rural livelihoods. However, the challenge lies in scaling up these initiatives effectively to overcome the dominant industrial farming model.

In Argentina's Pampa region, one such example is the "Pampa Orgánica Norte" Group, which has emerged as a key player in promoting organic and agroecological production amidst a landscape historically shaped by monoculture farming and high-input practices. The group’s participatory approach fosters knowledge exchange, mutual support, and collective action among producers across extensive areas. Despite their efforts, only 2% of surveyed farms in the 2018 national census identified as organic or agroecological, highlighting the need for broader systemic change.

Using Participatory Action Research (PAR), this study aims to map the current state of localized agri-food systems (LAFS) and explore strategies for their upscaling. By incorporating tools for agroecology performance evaluation and stakeholder engagement, the research underscores the potential of community-led initiatives like Pampa Orgánica Norte to drive sustainable rural development and foster resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.