Agri-food

Feeding the Transition: Agroecology as a Blueprint for a Nature-Positive Food System

THE CHALLENGE

The global food system is the single largest driver of biodiversity loss. Fuelled by a “cheaper food paradigm”that has pushed agriculture towards intensification, current farming systems threaten species at every scale.

Agroecology offers a credible alternative, but for decades the transition has remained contested: farmers fear for their incomes, environmentalists fear nature continues to decline, and policymakers struggle to move beyond industrial logic.

86% of species currently at risk of extinction are threatened by current farming systems

WHO IS LEADING THIS WORK?

The pilot is led by Voedsel Anders, a Belgian network organisation working to support the transition to sustainable agriculture and food. Rather than operating as a single advocacy body, Voedsel Anders functions as a connector, bringing together environmental NGOs, global south organisations, farmer networks, and organic food enterprises to build synergies, align strategies, and amplify collective impact.

Their approach is rooted in the conviction that the transition to agroecology is not just a technical challenge. It is a social and political one. It requires building trust between farmers, consumers, and communities whilst simultaneously challenging the structural conditions that keep destructive practices in place.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GROUND?

Movement building:
Forums, think tanks, network events and workshops connecting partners across food, agriculture, health and social justice.

Policy engagement:
Active participation in policy discussions, opinion pieces, and stakeholder engagement across the food system.

Public education:
A full-day agroecology festival, a food film festival, and farmer learning networks shifting the cultural narrative.

WHAT IS ALREADY CHANGING?

Year on year, Voedsel Anders is reaching more people: citizens curious about local, sustainable, and healthy food, as well as those interested in the deeper questions of food justice and system transformation.
Within the policy arena, agroecology and organic farming are gradually gaining recognition as not just viable but genuinely inspiring models for the future of the food system. Network partners are achieving tangible results: pushing for supportive policies, defending farmers’ rights, educating the next generation of agroecological practitioners, and building citizen-farmer relationships that strengthen local food economies.

“The transition to agroecology isn’t just technical. It’s fundamentally social and political. Success comes from building trust between farmers, consumers, and communities whilst challenging the structures that keep destructive practices in place.”

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR THIS TO SCALE?

Policy that goes beyond the status quo

Meaningful progress requires a fundamental shift that demands joined-up working across health, agriculture, education, and environment departments, placing agroecology at the centre rather than the margins of food policy.

Broader public engagement

Scaling the transition requires that a much wider public understands and recognises supporting local and agroecological food systems as one of the most direct contributions any individual can make to a more positive world.

KEY LESSONS

  • In an era of polarisation, networks and synergies are the strategic asset. Organisations that build bridges rather than silos are disproportionately powerful.
  • Making alternatives tangible changes the debate. Festivals, field visits, storytelling, and direct community engagement move people in ways that reports and position papers cannot.
  • Holistic framing is essential. Agroecology must be communicated as offering simultaneous solutions to food security, farmer welfare, community health, biodiversity, and climate.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

01

Increased awareness of the nature-positive impact of agroecological enterprises, and integration of partners in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America into shared roadmaps.

02

Capacity building for agroecological SMEsps.

03

Measurable contribution to the transition of Flemish conventional agribusinesses towards agroecological practices.
Explore the roadmap

Standard Bodies

Your work helps ensure transparent and reliable practices across industries. Partner with us to create and promote standards for a nature-positive future.

Who are you

You could be working with industry-specific standard-setting bodies or certification schemes. You might be involved in developing, implementing, or auditing environmental and sustainability standards.

Why you're crucial

Your role in developing standards is key to avoiding greenwashing and supporting transparency and accountability across the NPE.
Read the one pager

Researches & Academics

We’re gathering experts to understand and measure the Nature-Positive Economy. Be part of our effort to break down silos and advance global research on this crucial topic.

Who are you

You might be a professor, scientist, PhD student, or researcher in fields related to environmental science, economics, or business sustainability, or any discipline contributing to the Nature-Positive Economy.

Why you're crucial

Your research and academic insights are fundamental to developing a clear definition and conceptual framework for NPE.
Read the one pager

Citizens & Communities

Your daily choices and community actions are the foundation of a Nature-Positive world. Join us in building communities that prioritise both people and nature. 

Who are you

You are individuals, community leaders, local activists, or members of grassroots organisations who care about nature and want to make a difference locally.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
Read the one pager

Environmental Bodies & NGOs

Your experience and knowledge are invaluable in shaping what a Nature-Positive Economy means for people and the environment.

Who are you

You could be working for or leading environmental organisations, conservation groups, sustainability-focused NGOs, or any non-profit entity dedicated to protecting and restoring nature at local, national or international level.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
Read the one pager

Finance & Investors

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You might be an investment banker, venture capitalist, public funder, angel investor, insurance company representative, or anyone involved in financial decision-making who could support nature-positive initiatives across different sectors.


Why you're crucial

Your role in creating conditions and incentives for NPE investment is fundamental to its long-term success.
Read the one pager

Nature-based Enterprises

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You could be running or working in businesses that directly work with and for nature as a core element of a product or service, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries or tourism. 



Why you're crucial

Your expertise in working with and for nature is essential for developing and implementing the NPE framework, and for inspiring others to follow your lead. 
Read the one pager

Business

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You might be a CEO, sustainability officer, business owner, or manager in any sector looking to integrate nature-positive practices into your operations. This includes both large corporations and SMEs.

Why you're crucial

Your understanding of nature’s impact and dependencies on business is key to aligning with the NPE concept.
Read the one pager

Policymakers

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You could be a local government employee, a member of the EU Commission, a national policy advisor, or anyone involved in creating and implementing environmental, economic and social policies at any level.

Why you're crucial

Your role in adapting policies, regulations, and guidance is essential for aligning with systemic change towards a Nature-Positive Economy.

Read the one pager