The Colombian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has presented a detailed public policy framework focused on advancing agroecology as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural transformation. This forward-thinking initiative reflects Colombia's commitment to tackling pressing socio-environmental challenges such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and the vulnerability of traditional farming systems. By promoting agroecology, the policy seeks to create a harmonious balance between food production, ecological preservation, and social well-being.
The policy lays out a vision for transitioning away from extractive, industrial-scale agricultural models toward practices that prioritize life-centered and sustainable approaches. It draws from a diverse range of methodologies, including traditional knowledge, ecological principles, regenerative agriculture, and biodynamic techniques. These methods aim to enhance the resilience of farming systems while empowering rural communities to achieve food sovereignty.
An integral part of the framework involves recognizing and amplifying existing agroecological efforts led by indigenous and local communities across the country. These initiatives often embody centuries of wisdom and sustainable practices, which the policy seeks to protect and expand. Alongside this, the document outlines strategic goals, such as fostering agrobiodiversity, managing knowledge systems effectively, and ensuring that food production systems align with environmental sustainability.
At the heart of this transformation is the role of rural women, who are acknowledged as key drivers of agroecological change. Their leadership and contributions are emphasized as essential to the success of the policy, with a call for robust governmental support and financial mechanisms to sustain and scale these efforts.
Year of publication | |
Geographic coverage | Colombia |
Originally published | 26 Feb 2025 |
Related organisation(s) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
Knowledge service | Metadata | Global Food and Nutrition Security | Agroecology | Indigenous peopleFood and nutrition securityBiodiversity lossAgroecological practiceSoil degradation |
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET) | sustainable agricultureagricultural policy |