Germany has a long-standing tradition of organic farming, supported by an established certification system and widely known by producers and consumers alike. In contrast, agroecology – with its comprehensive, holistic approach to agriculture and food systems – remains less known in Germany.

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In the German context, agroecology is founded on ecological principles and shares with organic farming a fundamental understanding of cultivated land as an ecosystem, aiming to reduce external industrial inputs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance biodiversity as well as animal and soil health. But the core elements of agroecology, defined as “science, movement, and practice”, go beyond the ecological dimension of organic farming.

Agroecological principles can enrich organic farming by encouraging a more holistic view, integrating social and political considerations, and broadening the scope to include impacts that extend beyond the farm to landscapes and society. … [Agroecology] has the potential to accelerate the shift to sustainable agricultural practices on more than the targeted 30 percent of agricultural land in Germany.

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