Towards a European agroecology network of networks

Supporting agroecological transformation of agriculture and food systems in Europe

In spring 2022, after consulting a range of agroecology farmer representative organisations, AE4EU initiated a process of co-creating an overarching network of agroecological networks in Europe. When we say ‘agroecological networks’ this includes initiatives around, e.g., organic farming and community-supported agriculture. This overarching network is not meant to double up on what existing networks are already doing. Rather, it is meant to enhance opportunities for exchange, mutual encouragement, collaboration, coordination, shared efforts, and more. And by doing so strengthen capacities to support agroecological transformations of agriculture and food systems across Europe.

This initiative is focused on co-creating such network of networks from the bottom up with grassroots and farmer representative groups and organisations, and will also connect to other initiatives, notably to ongoing developments in relation to the EU partnership programmes on agroecology and on sustainable food systems. As such, it may also be considered as a European agroecology living lab.

Initial online meetings with current participants in this co-creation process have taken place in March and April this year. Currently, working groups are exploring further options regarding how to further develop the network of networks, and there will be further meetings with the larger group in July and September.

More detailed information will follow later this year. Contact: secretariat@agroecology-europe.org; seerp.wigboldus@wur.nl