Agroecology is at the core of the EU’s research and innovation (R&I) agenda for agriculture, forestry and rural development under Horizon Europe (2021-2027). In this context, agroecology is being promoted as an approach with potential to accelerate the transition towards an agricultural sector that is fit to meet the targets and challenges in relation to climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and sovereignty and the environment, while ensuring a profitable and attractive activity for farmers. R&I constitute important tools to encourage the adoption of agroecological principles in various farming models, including organic farming, and to benefit from their achievements.

The SCAR working group on agroecology (SWG-AE) started in 2021 in order to define a research and innovation general framework enabling a trajectory towards sustainable agri-food systems grounded on agroecology principles at EU level. During its first mandate, the SWG-AE created a new community on agroecology R&I at the EU scale. The SWG-AE conceived the proposal for the ongoing Horizon Europe Partnership ‘AGROECOLOGY’ (“Accelerating Farming Systems Transition: Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures’’) as well as the Partnership’s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

During its second mandate, the SWG-AE will continue feeding the European vision and propositions on agroecology R&I by interacting with and complementing the AGROECOLOGY Partnership, and by producing specific deliverables on selected areas, while avoiding any duplication with the AGROECOLOGY Partnership. A particular focus will be given to comprehending the diverse approaches to the implementation of agroecology across the EU Member States and countries Associated to Horizon Europe.