Policies to Promote Agroecology for Biodiversity and Resilience

As the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security grow, it is becoming clear that the future of farming must shift toward sustainable and regenerative practices. Agroecology offers a promising solution by integrating biodiversity into farming systems, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and supporting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. To achieve this, governments and institutions must adopt policies that promote agroecological practices. Policies are not the only venue for an agricultural transformation – we also need shifts in diets, eating habits, and our culture at large.But with out policy change, agroecology continues to fight an uphill battle – even though the UN Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO) identified agroecology as a potential path into a sustainable future. FAO did not identify any other farming system as such.

As always, I am learning as I go. So this list is not exhaustive. For now, here are four key areas of action with policy examples how some countries or regions support the transition to agroecology for biodiversity and resilience.

1. Reforming Agricultural Policies and Subsidies

One of the biggest barriers to agroecological practices is the conventional agriculture subsidy model, which often supports large-scale, industrial farming at the expense of biodiversity. However, a number of regions are beginning to reform these policies:

• EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Eco-Schemes: This reform ties subsidies to biodiversity-friendly practices such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and reduced pesticide use. These eco-schemes incentivize farmers to adopt agroecological practices that protect and restore biodiversity.
• Brazil’s National Agroecology and Organic Production Policy (PNAPO): Brazil supports small-scale farmers by offering subsidized credit programs and technical assistance to encourage a transition to agroecological farming, thereby enhancing ecosystem services and biodiversity.
• USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): In the U.S., the CSP provides payments to farmers who implement agroecological practices like cover cropping, rotational grazing, and integrated pest management, aligning financial incentives with biodiversity goals.
• India’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): India’s initiative provides training, certification, and financial support for smallholder farmers adopting organic and agroecological farming methods, helping to scale up biodiversity-friendly practices across the country.

2. Increasing Market Access for Agroecological Products

Market access is crucial for agroecological farmers to sustain their livelihoods while protecting biodiversity. Policies that promote local, organic, and agroecological food systems create stable markets for these producers:

• Farm to School Program (USA): This initiative connects agroecological farmers with schools, providing a steady market for sustainable, locally produced food. It not only supports local farmers but also educates children about healthy, sustainable eating.
• French Law for Mandatory Organic and Local Food in Public Institutions: In France, a law mandates that 50% of food in public institutions must come from organic or sustainable sources, ensuring that agroecological producers have access to large institutional markets.
• Quebec’s Local Food Procurement Law: Quebec prioritizes local, agroecological produce in public procurement, strengthening local food systems and ensuring that sustainable farming practices are rewarded.
• Ontario’s Food Hubs Development Programs: In Canada, regional food hubs help small agroecological producers reach larger markets by providing marketing, distribution, and aggregation services, ensuring small-scale farmers can compete in retail markets.

3. Prioritizing Research and Development for Agroecology

Investing in research and development is essential to further advancing agroecological practices. Governments must fund research that enhances biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in farming systems:

• Brazil’s National Agroecology Research Program (EMBRAPA): EMBRAPA focuses on developing agroecological techniques that integrate biodiversity and improve soil health, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest innovations in sustainable farming.
• US Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI): The USDA’s OREI supports research on practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and pest management, which are key components of agroecological systems.
• European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI): This program brings together farmers, scientists, and stakeholders to co-create sustainable farming solutions that enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• India’s Agroecology Research Institutes: Under the PKVY program, India has established research centers dedicated to agroecology, helping to develop and spread practices that improve biodiversity and resilience.

4. Engaging Civil Society and the Private Sector

Civil society and the private sector play a vital role in promoting agroecology. Building partnerships between communities, businesses, and local governments ensures that agroecological practices are supported and adopted on a broader scale:

• Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs (USA and Canada): CSAs connect consumers directly with local farmers practicing agroecology, creating financial stability for farmers and building consumer demand for biodiversity-friendly products.
• Agrihoods (USA): These planned communities integrate sustainable farming into residential areas, creating a model where developers and farmers collaborate to promote agroecology and sustainable living.
• Private Sector Sustainability Pledges (e.g., Unilever): Unilever’s Sustainable Agriculture Code requires suppliers to adopt agroecological practices, creating a strong incentive for businesses to transition toward biodiversity-enhancing farming systems.
• Food Policy Councils (USA and Canada): Local food policy councils bring together governments, civil society, and businesses to develop food policies that prioritize sustainability and agroecology, ensuring that community voices shape the future of food systems.

Conclusion

By reforming agricultural subsidies, improving market access, investing in research, and engaging civil society and the private sector, we can build resilient, biodiversity-friendly food systems that sustain both people and the planet. The policies outlined above offer a roadmap for transforming agriculture and promoting agroecology at scale. As global challenges intensify, these approaches will be crucial for ensuring food security, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It is time for governments, businesses, and communities to work together in creating a sustainable future through agroecology.

Join the movement to advocate for agroecological policies that protect our biodiversity and support resilient food systems!