Transformative Project – Towards Agroecology in the European Union

The European Union has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and at least a 55% reduction by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. In this context, sustainable agricultural systems will play a decisive role in mitigating environmental degradation. Therefore, under the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) mandate, four students have explored the impact of a widespread deployment of agroecology in the EU. They used the agriculture and food system interactive model (ARISE) to investigate the impacts of such a pathway. Taking into account social behavior change, they have outlined the results on livestock-raising practices, crop systems, biofuel production, greenhouse gas emissions, and the costs of agricultural inputs. They have also compared some results with a business-as-usual scenario. Finally, they have developed policy recommendations to facilitate the shift toward the fast implementation of an agroecological farming system in the EU.