THEMES
AEMED 2025
The principles of reference
The Congress is inspired by the 13 consolidated agroecological principles (HLPE, 2019):
recycling; reduction of external inputs; soil health; animal health; biodiversity; synergy; economic diversification; co-creation of knowledge; social values and diets; equity; connectivity; governance of land and natural resources; participation.
- Recycling. Prefer the use of local renewable resources and close nutrient and biomass resource cycles as much as possible.
- Reduction of inputs. Reduce or eliminate dependence on purchased inputs and increase self-sufficiency.
- Soil health. Ensure and improve soil health and functioning to support plant growth, particularly through organic matter management and increased soil biological activity.
- Animal health. Ensure the health and well-being of animals.
- Biodiversity. Maintain and enhance species diversity, functional diversity, and genetic resources, thereby preserving the overall biodiversity of agroecosystems over time and space, at field, farm, and landscape levels.
- Synergy. Enhance positive ecological interactions, synergies, integration, and complementarity among agroecosystem elements (animals, crops, trees, soil, and water).
- Economic diversification. Diversify agricultural incomes ensuring that small farmers have greater financial independence and valorization opportunities, responding to consumer demands.
- Co-creation of knowledge. Promote the co-creation and horizontal sharing of knowledge, including local and scientific innovations, especially through farmer-to-farmer exchange.
- Social values and diets. Build food systems based on the culture, identity, tradition, social and gender equity of local communities, providing healthy, diverse, seasonal, and culturally appropriate diets.
- Equity. Support dignified and robust livelihoods for all actors involved in food systems, particularly small food producers, based on fair trade, fair employment, and respect for intellectual property rights.
- Connectivity. Ensure proximity and trust between producers and consumers by promoting fair and short distribution networks, reintegrating food systems into local economies.
- Governance of land and natural resources. Strengthen institutional arrangements to improve recognition and support for family farmers, smallholders, and peasant producers as sustainable managers of natural and genetic resources.
- Participation. Promote social organization and greater participation in decision-making processes by producers and consumers, to support decentralized governance and local adaptive management of agricultural and food systems.
AEMED 2025 themes
Biodiversity and resilient agricultural systems
Exploring the importance of biodiversity in managing more resilient agricultural systems in the face of climate challenges and environmental pressures. This topic could include studies on how agroecological practices can foster the interaction between animal, plant, and microorganism species to maintain the balance of agroecosystems and generate ecosystem services.
Examples of research:
• Integration of polycultures and diversified crop rotation practices.
• Benefits of natural habitats and other nature-based solutions for promoting ecosystem functions such as biocontrol, pollination, and others.
• Use of local varieties and traditional seeds for climate resilience.
• Use of conventional and local breeds for low-impact animal production.
Agroecology and climate change mitigation
Analyzing how agroecological systems can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the improvement of soil fertility and carbon sequestration capacity. Agroecology can help mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting sustainable practices.
Examples of research:
• Carbon sequestration and soil quality improvement through practices such as composting and reduced soil tillage.
• Assessment of the impact of agroforestry practices in offsetting and reducing carbon emissions.
• Evaluation of the capacity of diversified and agroforestry agricultural systems to provide benefits related to energy production (e.g., timber, non-timber forest products, electricity).
• Reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to decrease CO2, N2O, and other emissions.
• Water management and innovative water harvesting methods for arid and semi-arid climates.
Sustainable food systems and social justice
Examining the role of agroecology in promoting more equitable and sustainable food systems. This topic can explore the connection between agroecological practices, food sovereignty, food security, workers' rights, and the reduction of social inequalities, especially in rural communities.
Examples of research:
• Equitable access to agricultural resources and community-based land management.
• Studies on food security and food sovereignty in emerging economies.
Technological innovation and agroecological practices
Exploring the role of innovative technologies in supporting agroecological practices, balancing traditional knowledge with the use of new technologies. This topic could include research on digital technologies, precision agriculture, the use of drones and sensors to enhance agricultural sustainability, and eco-friendly forms of agrivoltaics.
Examples of research:
• Use of satellite data and proximal sensors to monitor soil and crop health.
• Application of technologies for efficient irrigation and water resource management.
• Development of tools to support farmers' decision-making based on environmental and climate data.
• Integration of highly innovative agrivoltaic technological elements in agroforestry systems.
• Use of GPS collars and accelerometers for managing grazing livestock.
• Use of feeding software to increase the efficiency of animals raised in extensive grazing systems.
