The eighth Conversation on Agroecology on February 26th, 2025, focused on the role of policy for agroecological transition. Ivana Trkulja (ICROFS, Aarhus University, Denmark) and Allison-Marie Loconto (INRAe, France) presented on “Supporting Agroecology Transition through the Science-Policy Interfaces: Results of the Pilot Study 2024”, which was conducted within WP2 of the Agroecology Partnership. One of the objectives of WP2 aims at creating and supporting mechanisms for exchange between scientists and policymakers to provide an evidence base for policy that supports agroecological transition. In their pilot study, WP2 wanted to understand how relevant and science-based research and sectoral policies for agroecology transition are currently operating. Questions included were e.g., how important the four dimensions of agroecology are in participants countries or whether current policies support principles associated with agroecological transition. The results show that policies do seem to include some agroecological practices, but do not appear to support agroecological transitions. The incorporation of social movements and the implementation of a pan-European network of public institutions, providing a platform for science-policy exchange, should aid to foster transition. A 2nd edition of the survey will launch in 2025 and interested people are invited to contact WP2 for further information and collaboration.

Aykut Ordukaya from the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies, Türkiye, presented on “Agroecological Transition in Türkiye: History, Policy and Practices”. After the 1950s, until which traditional, extensive farming based on manure and weeding was dominating in Türkiye, the transition period led by the Green Revolution, started. Intensive farming with focus on market-oriented production was defining this system. From 1980 onwards, a modern food system with less protectionism and removal of specific subsidies was applied. Today, there are several agroecology related policies in place, e,g., the law on organic farming (2004), the regulation on the principles and implementation of organic farming (2010) and the regulation of good agricultural practices (2010). Further, Türkiye supports soil analysis within certified laboratories, land conservation for environmental purposes and biological and biotechnical control to reduce pesticide input. Aykut showed several good practice examples, e.g., the “Güdül Case”, where agroecological transition of local food communities was achieved in the Güdül district of Ankara. Several farmers lead the implementation of agroecological farming methods, and their actions were based on several principles as usage of traditional seeds, personal communication and preserving or protecting natural resources. Nowadays, Türkiye is focusing on safe and sustainable foods and supporting transitions towards these goals, e.g., through funding opportunities for modern methods in agriculture.