Agroecology: CIRAD is informing the European Commission's stance

With the publication of an Operational Guide on Agroecology, DG INTPA has set a course for the programmes it funds. The document sets out the European Commission's stance on agroecology, and suggests a framework for integrating the approach into future funding operations. It sets out the main principles and scientific, technical, social and political aspects, along with the controversies surrounding agroecology. The guide tallies with the European Union (EU) Global Gateway strategy, which stresses the role of the private sector in supporting EU investment in partner countries.

The guide is intended for EU member country delegations, and provides both theoretical and practical guidance. It enables a clearer understanding of the concept, and gives pointers for designing and supporting projects in line with the approach. The aim is to promote a transformation of agrifood systems in line with the principles of agroecology in the programmes rolled out by member countries. For scientists involved in cooperation, it is a practical manual that can be used immediately.

Agroecology is informing the EU political agenda

The guide presents agroecology as a holistic approach that promotes solutions tailored to grassroots situations, founded on ecological processes and inclusive approaches. It insists on agroecology that is open to innovation and markets, to ensure productive, inclusive and resilient food systems.

It also shows how agroecology fits into the EU political agenda, notably in terms of food security, climate change, biodiversity, value chains, etc. It suggests concrete levers—activities listed by topic or type of player—and resources—methods or training—for building programmes and projects that respond to those priorities while being in line with the principles of agroecology.

EU recognition for CIRAD's expertise 

With its extensive, longstanding expertise in agroecology and its experience of project management and implementation, CIRAD played a major role in drafting the guide. That significant role is proof of the European Commission's recognition of CIRAD's expertise in agroecology.

In particular, the guide highlights several projects coordinated by CIRAD under the DeSIRA initiative, such as Cocoa4Future, MAKIS, DINAAMICC and ASSET. It also quotes the Horizon Europe CANALLS project and CIRAD's involvement in setting up a participatory guarantee system in Morocco.

As well as providing institutional visibility, the guide is a strategy tool of use to partnerships in building projects and in talks with EU delegations, in promoting CIRAD's scientific outputs, and in advocacy strategies.

Thanks to its operations and expertise, CIRAD is now a crucial partner in terms of rural development in line with agroecology.