News Regions as drivers of agroecology

Carlos Cabo, Project Manager at FUNDECYT-PCTEX (ES), presented Work Package 12 of the AGROECOLOGY Partnership, “Regions as Catalysts for the Agroecological Transition”, during the annual conference of the European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ERIAFF).

The event, held in Amsterdam from 11 to 13 May 2026 under the title “Regional Agri-Food & Forestry Systems: Balancing Economic, Ecological, Environmental and Social Innovation”, brought together key stakeholders and regional actors committed to advancing sustainable agri-food systems across Europe.

The presentation took place within a dedicated session jointly organised by the ERIAFF Agroecology Working Group and the Food Systems Working Group, two of the eleven thematic groups that structure the ERIAFF network.

During the session, Carlos Cabo provided an overview of the AGROECOLOGY Partnership, highlighting its main objectives, Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, and overall structure. Special attention was given to Work Package 12, which focuses on empowering regions to play a pivotal role in driving the agroecological transition.

A central element of the presentation was the introduction of the future “Regions for Agroecology” group, an initiative designed to support and promote the strategic role of regions in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. This group aims to foster collaboration among regional authorities and stakeholders, reinforcing their capacity to act as catalysts for systemic change.

Furthermore, the presentation outlined how participating regions will benefit from peer learning processes, knowledge exchange activities and transfer mechanisms. Through these approaches, regions will gain access to innovative governance models, policy instruments and best practices, enabling them to accelerate agroecological transition pathways within their respective territories.

The session underscored the importance of regional engagement and cooperation in achieving the objectives of the Agroecology Partnership and advancing more sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems across Europe.

Along with FUNDECYT-PCTEX, an affiliate of the Regional Government of Extremadura, the session was also attended by Frederic Lemaitre (Pays de la Loire), María Ramos (CICYTEX), and Charlotte Forsberg (OFK), all partners of the Regions Work Package.