On January 27, 2016, a European association designed to promote agroecology was created in Graux Estate, Belgium. This important founding meeting took place in the presence of 19 agroecologists from 10 European countries. Named “Agroecology Europe,” the association has a goal of placing agroecology high on the European agenda of sustainable development of farming and food systems. It will foster interactions between the science, the practice, and the social movements seeking food system change by facilitating knowledge sharing, and action. It will also focus on the creation of an inclusive European community of professionals, practitioners, and broader civil society engaged in agroecology.
Agroecology Europe is open to all individuals, groups, and institutions interested in promoting agroecology, and intends to define its agenda through the participatory engagement of all members. A website is being designed and will be launched soon.
The founders of the association included participants from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. A founding board was elected to initiate and guide the development of Agroecology Europe, with Stéphane Bellon as president, Alexander Wezel as vice president, Alain Peeters as secretary, and board members Paolo Bárberi, Paola Migliorini, Eva Torremocha, and Sabine Zikeli.
Readers interested in becoming informed about Agroecology Europe can send a message to the secretary: [email protected].
ASFS welcomes the formation of Agroecology Europe, and looks forward to the work of its members appearing in future issues of the journal.