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The concept of “movement” is used to highlight the vision of the positive social and economic impact that
agroecology has for sustainable rural development. Despite the strong influence of ecology as
a fundamental discipline, agroecology also enjoys the influence of social sciences such as ethnoecology,
rural sociology and ecological economics. Agroecology uses a holistic approach, therefore it provides the
knowledge and methodology necessary for the development of agricultural systems that are both
ecologically sound and highly productive, socially equitable and economically viable.

Industrial agriculture was only partially successful in meeting the global food needs of the 20th century, as
the food crises in the late 1970s had already become a reality. What are the main problems with industrial
agriculture?

• the environmental impact
• social problems

Now the threats and impact of the practices and policies followed raises the need for a paradigm shift
towards a truly sustainable food production system. A sustainable food production system is
a collaborative network that integrates different components to improve the environmental, economic and
social well-being of a community. It is built on principles that further promote the ecological, social and
economic values of a community and region.

If you want to recognize sustainable food production systems, they must provide the following benefits to
the stakeholders involved:

• Economic: generates a fair income for all parties involved in food production and trade; helps to
strengthen local economies; economically evaluates environmental services;

• Social: provides a healthy working environment for workers and healthy food for consumers. Tradition
and cultural values are reflected in production methods and variety selection, but at the same time
producers have access to innovative knowledge;

• Environmental: sustainable food systems also aim to preserve water and soil quality, improve
biodiversity both on the farm and in the landscape, while being climate-friendly, so they also have
a strong environmental aspect .
1

3.2 “From Farm to Fork” for Quality food

To cope with population growth and changing eating habits, world food production must double by 2050.
It faces the impact of climate change on biodiversity, soil and water quality and the needs of the global
market.

EU agricultural policy has changed considerably to help farmers meet these challenges and to respond to
changing public behaviour and expectations. EU agricultural policy covers a wide range of areas, including
traceability, trade and promotion of EU agricultural products and food quality.

1 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337260958_Agroecologia_un_nuovo_paradigma_per_la_sostenibilita_dei_
sistemi_agroalimentari_e_la_salute_dell’umanita_e_dell’ambiente