Glossary

Agroecology is sustainable farming that works with nature.

Ecology is the study of relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment - and the balance between these relationships. Agroecology is the application of ecological concepts and principles in farming.

Agroecology promotes farming which has soil health at its centre; includes plant diversity; uses circular farming; provides wildlife habitats; mitigates climate change - reducing emissions, recycling resources and prioritising local supply chains; puts farmers and communities in the driving seat - they give power to approaches led by local people and adapt agricultural techniques to suit the local area.

Agroecology is not a new idea. It draws on traditional and indigenous farmers practice from before the advent of industrial agriculture. It also includes some state-of-the-art science and technologies.

Agroecological farming methods often utilise animals as part of the farming system. There are also many examples of livestock-free agroecological systems, and some which promote the use of livestock without slaughter. There's no argument: reducing meat and dairy consumption is key to fighting climate change, but we want to show how animals can be part of a diverse, circular and regenerative system that contributes to that reduction, and could transform the way we grow, share and eat food. We imagine a future where farms are ‘nature factories’, not ‘meat factories’.

For an excellent succinct definition of agroecology, watch this short clip from George Young, our co-producer and agroecological farmer.