resourceS | SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE
https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041214
Abstract: Agroecology is considered with different focus and weight in different parts of the world as a social and political movement, as a science and as a practice. Despite its multitude of definitions, agroecology has started to develop in Europe into diverse regional, national and continental networks of researchers, practitioners, supporters and movements. However, a comprehensive overview of these different developments and networks is missing. Therefore, this article attempts to document and map the development of European agroecology in its different forms. Through a literature review, interviews, active participation in conferences and extensive Internet research we have gathered information on the current state and development of agroecology in Europe. Agroecological research and higher education are most present in Western and Northern Europe, but agricultural schools and farmer training are also present in other regions. Today, a great variety of topics are studied in research institutes. There are a growing number of bottom-up agroecological initiatives and national or continental networks and movements. Important movements concern food sovereignty, access to land and seeds. Except for France, very few concrete policies for agroecology exist in Europe. Agroecology is increasingly linked to different areas of agri-food systems. This includes community supported agriculture systems, but also agroecological territories and some examples of product labelling. To amplify agroecology in Europe in the coming years, policy development will be crucial and agroecology advocates will need to join forces and work side by side with the many stakeholders engaged in initiatives to develop more sustainable agriculture and food systems.
https://ideas.repec.org/p/csc/ircrwp/201605.html
https://doi.org/10.3280/ecag2021oa12775
Abstract: Organic farming in Italy is growing fast thanks to an increased focus on environmental sustainability and consumer demand thus challenging the farmers to create new working models and territorial systems. Organic land in Basilicata is more than 21% of the regional UAA , an area that has more than doubled in size since 2015. This study compares Lucanian organic farming systems with conventional farming systems and their economic benefits and is based on 2019 FADN data made up of 24% organic farms. This study could help regional policy makers to design guidelines for the 2021-2027 programming period reinforcing the green growth strategy. In fact, agricultural policy continues to focus on environmental themes (Green Deal and Farm to fork), proposing new challenges to agricultural businesses who take advantage of the competitive advantages of new models and territorial systems.