2016/08/25 by Bellon, Stéphane
#0 #Agroecology #Agroécologie #Conversion #Dynamics #Dynamiques #Innovation #International #Partnership #Practices #Pratiques #Principes #Principles
paper · doi:10.15454/1.4721192167463855e12
Agroecology (AE) is both internationalized and institutionalized. This process stimulates organic farming (OF) development perspectives. Conversely, OF is used as a reference in AE, namely as a model of agricultural system and for the conversion process exemplifying an agroecological transition. This paper intends to show how the relationships between OF and AE also influence each of their dynamics. Considering their trajectories, and subsequent interactions, it appears that their relationships are neither inclusive, nor exclusive. As shown in a first section, their common ground becomes more explicit in the 70s, after parallel trajectories in the past century. However, differences also appear between these two fields. An analytical grid is proposed in the next section, in order to compare them based on a set of 12 criteria. This comparative approach is followed by an analysis of the main specific or common topics used in international scientific literature, as well in technical documents. It appears that OF is far better documented than AE, their cross-over is limited, and their focus differ. The final addresses transitions issues in AE, and how they relate with conversion in OF. Based on current research agendas, we show that prospects such as eco-functional intensification in OF gives a new role to AE and also entails alignments. We conclude that they share many assets to transform agriculture and food systems.