Agroecology and Alternative Agrifood Movements in the United States: Towards a Sustainable Agrifood System

Abstract

Abstract The concept of agroecology in the United States is born out of a dialectical process of co-production of knowledge whereby the science of agroecology has shaped and been shaped by alternative agri-food movements, policy, and local practice. This article examines the relationship between agroecology and alternative agri-food movements and identifies opportunities for greater engagement. The article concludes with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities to scaling up agroecology and sustainable agri-food systems. Keywords: agroecologyagri-food movementsfood systemsfood sovereigntyfood policy councilsurban agriculture Acknowledgments Many thanks to Annie Shattuck for contributions on an earlier version of this article. Notes 1. Today, the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition is now known as the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture. 2. Examples of these organization include Just Food, The Food Project, Rooted in Community, Food What!, Community Harvest, The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network. 3. The USDA defined a small farm as a farm with less than $250,000 in sales. 4. This increase is occurring in farms with fewer than 50 acres (increase by 15%) and fewer than 10 acres (increase by 30%).