Agroecology integrates ecological and social principles into food systems. The 13 principles include
Recycling
Reuse local inputs across borders
Input Reduction
Minimizes dependency on external inputs
Soil Health
Trade promotes local soil regeneration
Animal Health
Ensures humane handling in trade
Biodiversity
Promotes diverse products for trade
Synergy
Connects producers, traders, and ecosystems harmoniously
Economic Diversification
Expands trade opportunities for farmers
Co-creation of Knowledge
Sharing farmer practices, experiences across regions
Social Values and Diets
Supports culturally appropriate food exchanges
Fairness
Ensures equity in trade systems
Connectivity
Strengthens producer-market trade links
Land and Resource Governance
Secures access to resources for sustainable trade
Participation
Engages communities in trade decisions
10 Elements of Agroecology framework
The 10 Elements of Agroecology framework was launched at the Second FAO International Symposium on Agroecology held in April 2018 and continues to evolve. In October 2018, the 10 Elements of Agroecology were supported by the FAO Committee on Agriculture (COAG) at its 26th Session as a guide to one of the ways to promote sustainable agriculture and food systems. Following the review, revision, and clearance process through FAO’s governing bodies, the 10 Elements of Agroecology were approved by the 197 Members of FAO to guide FAO’s vision on agroecology by the 163 session of the Council on 2-6 December 2019.
Diversity: diversification is key to agroecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources.
Co-creation and sharing of knowledge: agricultural innovations respond better to local challenges when they are co-created through participatory processes.
Synergies: building synergies enhances key functions across food systems, supporting production and multiple ecosystem services.
Efficiency: innovative agroecological practices produce more using less external resources. Recycling
Recycling: more recycling means agricultural production with lower economic and environmental costs.
Resilience: enhanced resilience of people, communities and ecosystems is key to sustainable food and agricultural systems.
Human and social values: protecting and improving rural livelihoods, equity and social well-being is essential for sustainable food and agricultural systems.
Culture and food traditions: by supporting healthy, diversified and culturally appropriate diets, agroecology contributes to food security and nutrition while maintaining the health of ecosystems.
Responsible governance: sustainable food and agriculture requires responsible and effective governance mechanisms at different scales – from local to national to global.
Circular and solidarity economy: circular and solidarity economies that reconnect producers and consumers provide innovative solutions for living within our planetary boundaries while ensuring the social foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Be the first to know about new data, tools, and trends in agroecological produce trade.
