Agroecology and Organic Farming. Contributions and synergies to increase agricultural sustainability

Abstract

The environmental and socio-economic crisis of industrialized agriculture has led to the emergence of Agroecology as a theoretical and methodological approach that aims to increase agricultural sustainability from an ecological, social and economic perspective. Organic farming (OF) is the most consistent implementation of this strategy and has grown dramatically all over the world. OF increases the complexity of agricultural systems and strengthens ecological processes (nutrient cycling, natural pest control ...) needed to increase agricultural sustainability. In addition, OF provides a wide range of environmental services: improves soil and water quality, promotes biodiversity, increases energy efficiency and greenhouse gases sequestration. However, the serious problems of agricultural unsustainability cannot be solved only with a technological change to lessen environmental impacts. Although technological change is important, it is also necessary to change the agri-food system as a whole. This article analyses the environmental and socio-economic impact of organic agriculture in Europe and Latin America. Although there has been significant progress, it is necessary to face many challenges. Agroecology as a scientific approach can help to overcome these challenges, generating proposals to transform the agri-food system.