As discussed in DevelopmentAid’s recent article on principles of agroecology, there is a set of aspects distinguishing it from conventional agriculture. While it might facilitate the identification of agroecological production, there is another aspect for policymakers to consider – farmers might not call what they do agroecology and thus limit the availability of statistical data so much needed for research and policy shift in the agricultural sector. This article addresses the question of existing practices not labelled ‘agroecology’, but which are relevant to consider in humanity’s quest for more sustainable agricultural systems.
Even though giving a name doesn’t necessarily make it true, researchers claim that it becomes more difficult for them to identify the potential study cases for academic research for statistical analysis and ultimately creates obstacles to the transformation of agricultural policies.
More specifically, it has been pointed out that there is a huge potential for ‘agroecological turn’ in policies in some regions. However, one of the encountered difficulties, as stated by an international group of researchers is that ‘approaches to farming that are agroecological by nature […] may not necessarily explicitly define themselves [as such]’.
This makes fruits and vegetables produced on an agroecological farm totally different from organic or biological production which has a specific label and a clear set of standards allowing farmers to use it for their produce.
Redefining the principles
Whatever name producers give to their agricultural techniques, the underlying principles can indeed help to recognize agroecology. These principles in fact are set to fully rethink the agricultural system, so that its elements are working well together, thus allowing it to function better as one whole. This systemic approach is something that can be found in for instance, ‘silent agroecology’ which researchers believe is widespread throughout Europe and deserves careful analysis and discussion.
‘Silent’ practically means that farmers prefer not to talk about environmental aspects of their production or about agroecology. Instead, their main priority is to find autonomy i.e., through reducing their dependency on off-farm inputs at volatile prices, (e.g., soybeans to feed animals, fertilizers), thereby ‘regaining control over conditions of their professional activity’. This priority is a sign of possible transition to agroecology as one of its key characteristics is to increase self-sufficiency and autonomy due to optimal use of existing on-farm resources.
Self-sufficiency in its turn is linked to diversity at the field level, allowing farmers to have a variety of crops and livestock, where for instance some crops serve as feed for animals and others can be directly sold to consumers. Both the absence of off-farm inputs and more diversified production are economically sound for farmers in general but represent even more interest for those who are already experiencing troubles. All in all, these practices help to ensure the sustainability of production on farms which is reflected in long-term productivity gains.
See also| Agroecology: an opportunity for fragile farms
While there is no concrete label for agroecology in Europe, to the eye of consumers, these aspects might be revealed in the degree of affinity of agricultural ‘environment’ with the natural one. One example is the number of different types of trees or crops one can see in the landscape or for instance if the soil is bare and not covered with any vegetation or protecting material (like mulch). Also, if the farmer uses pesticides, there is a risk that the beekeepers in the neighbourhood are affected because of the lethal effect of pesticides on insects and in particular the bees.
While there are questions concerning terminology, one thing is clear: there is economic logic linked to the ecological underpinning of agroecology. This nexus reflects the systemic character of this approach, something that can help identify farms which are on the path of conversion to more environmentally, socially but also economically sustainable agricultural systems.
