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SCIENCE

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EDUCATION

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LIVING LAB

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PRACTICE

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MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°19 – AGROECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEM

# AGROECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF PADUA

The course "Agroecology and Ecosystem Services", which started in the 2006/2007 academic year as part of the Master's degree course in Natural Sciences at the University of Padua, offers a space for research and debate with social stakeholders on contemporary multidisciplinary issues related to agroecology. It is a 6-credit optional course, attended by students of Natural Sciences. It also attracts students from degree courses in Local Development, Anthropology, Environmental Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (the course is also open to students enrolled at Ca' Foscari University in the Inter-university degree course in Anthropology).

The course provides an in-depth theoretical exploration of the main threads of the debate on agroecology, models for implementing public policies on agroecological transition, food and technological sovereignty, land management, and local development at the national and international level. A central teaching unit of the agroecology course is on assessment tools<fnref n="171" />, workshop activities which include the use of agricultural sustainability indicators at the landscape and farm level, mapping of agro-ecosystems and green and blue infrastructure for ecosystem services assessment using Open Source Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The appropriation of the use of Open-Source GIS tools, and the debate on the democratisation of technologies, becomes essential to rediscover and consolidate the role

of technology as a public good. Different topics related to agroecology are then addressed in online and in-presence seminars open to all, to underline the importance of keeping open and dynamic the concept of university as a common good and its role of knowledge sharing.

Participatory research-action tools and methods for agro-ecosystems and land management (Participatory Rural Appraisal/Participatory Learning and Action) are also addressed. The evaluation of the teaching is based on the direct involvement of the students in the preparation of a work and the sharing of it in a final seminar.

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UNIVERSITÀ
DEGLI STUDI
DI PADOVA

https://www.mastergiscience.it/tag/

agroecologia

Facebook: @MasterGIScience

Instagram: @giscience_unipd

## KEY FEATURES

* **Main goals:** offering a space for research and debate with social stakeholders' issues related to agroecology

* **Main topics:** models for implementing public policies on agroecological transition, food and technological sovereignty, land management, local development at national and international level

* **Leading organisation:** University of Padua

* **Type of actors involved:** students, farmers, representatives of associations, organic marketing, filmmakers, artists

* **Funded by:** University of Padua

EDUCATION

SCIENCE

<footnote n="171">¹⁷¹ For example, a collaboration is ongoing with the Colombian agroecologist Tomas Enrique Leon Sicard for the purpose of testing the Main Agroecological Structure Index (SAP) in Italy. This is a new and promising agro-ecological index that integrates bio-ecological and socio-cultural indicators and is a valuable tool to support the planning of agro-ecosystems and socio-environmental relationships with the surrounding landscape.</footnote>
These training activities are the basis for activating formative research activities in particular with Master's theses adopting a geographical and political ecology approach, in the analysis of agroecological policies and environmental policies, on agro-ecosystems ecological dimensions and the feasibility of ecological transition models. For example, a student recently completed a master's thesis on the application of MESMIS and the use of GIScience to model agroecological alternatives to oil extraction in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The research assessed the feasibility of spreading the cultivation of guayusa (Ilex guayusae) and breeding paiche (a fish, Arapaima gigas).

The course dialogues with the Municipality of Padua, especially developed on the theme of public green management and ecological networks in the municipal area.

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

**Involvement of different actors:** The course is conceived as an iteration hub: farmers, representatives of associations, organic markets, film-makers, artists and students have the opportunity to network.

**Agroecology research and education:** The course provides an insight into the different facets of agroecology: from the sustainable management of natural resources to the political and territorial debate around it. The organisation of events that are open to all makes it possible to broaden the range of audiences on the subject.

**Technological Sovereignty:** Agroecology enters fully into the debate on multiple sovereignties: food, energy, land and technology. Open geographical data, open source and low-cost technologies are questioning and challenging the concentration of information and technologies in the hand of industrial agriculture, which seems to have a monopoly on technological innovation. The deconstruction of these narratives, and the appropriation and sharing of technologies are fundamental steps towards their democratisation by adopting the "technology for all" approach<fnref n="172" />.

**Alternative:** The initiatives created a collaborative hub between many local stakeholders and people interested in every component of agroecology. This was achieved through the Univeristy, who has been able to become the leading actor in this process. The course has also contributed to the issue regarding the access and sovereignty of technologies, advocating for a democratisation of them and their adoption to foster the agroecological transition.

<footnote n="172">¹⁷² The volume "De Marchi Massimo, Diantini Alberto, Pappalardo Salvatore Eugenio, Drones and Geographical Information Technologies in Agroecology and Organic Farming: contributions to technological sovereignty, CRC Press." will be published in 2022.</footnote>
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SCIENCE

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PRACTICE

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LIVING LAB

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EDUCATION

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MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°20 – LIFE DESERT ADAPT

LIFE DESERT ADAPT

**Desert-Adapt** is a research project that aims to demonstrate innovative climate adaption strategies and technologies to improve land quality, soil conservation, and plant support in Mediterranean areas under desertification risk. The first key objective is demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative adaptation technologies to improve socio-economic development and environmental quality in three European regions affected by climate change applying Desertification Adaptation Models (DAM) tailored to site-specific conditions and opportunities. The second key objective is promoting and replicating the developed DAM frameworks among a variety of stakeholders, particularly local farmers seeking socio-economic opportunities from climate-resilient and profitable land use and policymakers, to help enable replication and upscaling in the project regions and beyond.

The Desert-Adapt Manifesto is perfectly in line with the agroecological approach, by aiming to (i) protect and enhance ecosystem quality and services, (ii) seek long-term self-sustainable economic investments, and (iii) be inclusive for the local population.

Desert-Adapt which started in 2017 involves an international and diverse network, composed of 19 partners from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands. They are Universities, landowners, municipalities, private companies, and associations. Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" is the project coordinator.

Since it is based on an interdisciplinary approach, Desert-Adapt involves several scientific disciplines, such as Agronomy, Ecology, Animal science, Plant science, Social science, Political science, Economics, Microbiology, and Soil science. Moreover, an integrated ecosystems approach is proposed by this project, based on the adoption of an integrative soil and land use management, in addition to the development of climate change-resilient and tailored land-use systems. Regarding the agronomical aspect, this project promotes agroecological practices such as organic fertilisation, cover crops use, reduction in frequency and depth of soil tillage, implementing agroforestry systems, and increasing agrobiodiversity through the use of plant associations.

The interaction among all the stakeholders can be considered agroecological as well, since a bottom-up approach is adopted. For example, farmers are encouraged to teach their colleagues, gaining an important role in the sharing of knowledge. Consequently, even if term agroecology is not used

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DESERT ADAPT

www.desert-adapt.it/index.php/en/

KEY FEATURES

* **Main topics:** demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative adaptation technologies; promoting and replicating the developed Desertification Adaptation Models frameworks

* **Founded in:** 2017

* **Main goals:** demonstrate innovative climate adaption strategies and technologies in Mediterranean areas under desertification risk

* **Leading organisation:** Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"

* **Type of actors involved:** universities, landowners, farmers' organisations, municipalities, environment and food related organisations, enterprises

* **Funded by:** European Commission (60%) and partners of the project
explicitly by this initiative, all its features perfectly suit the agroecological principles and techniques. In fact, Desert-Adapt supports the development of agroecology studying and promoting adaptation models to desertification by spreading land management practices that guarantee agricultural income, social welfare and environmental sustainability. Additionally, it spreads knowledge through open information events organised in the farms chosen as case studies.

Finally, all the methods and tools used in this project will be useful to establish, replicate, and upscale the integrated land use management in other areas with climatic conditions like the Mediterranean ones, by enhancing terrestrial carbon sinks and optimise net GHG removals.

<figure><img src="image_1190.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 19:** Experimental comparison between an olive grove of a Desert Adapt project partner managed according to agroecological practices with permanent grass cover and a conventional olive grove. Note how the application of agroecological adaptation measures reduces soil erosion, maintains soil fertility and ensures productivity at lower cost. Source: Photo by Rafael Da Silveira Bueno.</figcaption></figure>

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

This project demonstrates how it is possible for small-scale farmers and municipalities that own hundreds of hectares of land, to change agronomic management in an economically advantageous and socially sustainable way, as well as adapt to climate change. Moreover, Desert-Adapt is a new demonstration of how international and interdisciplinary collaboration can be extremely enriching and useful for farmers, universities, environmental and food-related organisations, and for the population.
# 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

This mapping project has revealed many crucial aspects of the country's agroecological context, providing an overview of the present level of implementation of the Italian agroecological transition and good practical examples on the ground, as well as numerous suggestions and reflections regarding the future were raised during the interviews with key informants.

The origins of agroecological values and approach in Italy were recognised in the late 1800s and early 1900s within the academic world, on the account of some pioneers who combined concepts from ecology with agronomy, proposing a new systemic approach to agronomic sciences. The start of agroecology coincides in its first developments with the birth and emergence of organic farming; however today, organic certification is not perceived as a guarantee of a genuine agroecological approach (Table 1, ITA-KI-2, ITA-KI-3, ITA-KI-4, ITA-KI-5, ITA-KI-8, ITA-KI-9, ITA-KI-11 & ITA-KI-15; Migliorini et al. 2018), that goes beyond the simple implementation of practices at field level but encompassing a structural change in the all system from production to sale, addressing also social and economic aspects.

The adoption of agroecological practices remains confined to a few farmers and is highly heterogeneous across territories and areas of agricultural production. Even among more active territories, the application of agroecology is uneven, since it is not so much the regional administrations that have the greatest influence as the agro-morphological and environmental characteristics of the hillier and mountainous areas (ITA-KI-11, Table 1). Agroecological practices seems to be more widespread in marginal areas (ITA-KI-11, Table 1).

Beside the application of agroecological practices, we can say that agroecology in Italy is now in a momentum of great ferment across all its activity categories, gaining more and more attention from various actors. This is positive but challenging at the same time, as this ferment often results in great dispersion and confusion, often because the concept of agroecology is not well known or interpreted in the same way (KI-all, Table 1). Many initiatives and organisations, which do not always define themselves as agroecological, have already been promoting and developing a more sustainable and in many ways "agroecological" agrifood system for many years. On the account of this project, some of these initiatives have been identified and catalogued according to their activity categories of reference.

At the level of academia, movements and science, there is a growing general common understanding, of the concept of agroecology although not yet standardised, due to the International development (FAO 2018; HLPE, 2019) and the European projects which allow wider dialogue. On the other hand, the concept of agroecology remains very poorly understood at the level of the end consumer who once again, as with organic years ago, is faced with a new word that is not easy to understand (ITA-KI-5 & ITA-KI-6, Table 1).

Movements, like NGOs and other association, are important actors in influencing the political and social dimensions of agroecology (Wezel et al. 2020), however, many of the issues addressed by movements, such as food sovereignty, are difficult to understand to a wider audience and easily create divergence among these same actors (ITA-KI-11, ITA-KI-13 & ITA-KI-15 Table 1). In this sense, the national movements must necessarily increase their ability to network and
to know how to structure themselves to assume a more significant role and impact than the one they have to this day (ITA-KI-6, ITA-KI-11, ITA-KI-13, ITA-KI-15, Table 1). For example, even though there are several important actors on a local or regional scale, there is still no movement or network capable of representing peasant agriculture nationwide, a term often used by movements as a synonym for agroecological agriculture (ITA-KI-5, Table 1).

In future, awareness-raising, citizen education and transparent communication systems will have the important role of gaining and maintaining the trust of consumers/citizens themselves and avoiding the increasingly widespread "green-washing" (ITA-KI-15, Table 1), a phenomenon that is also gaining ground in the field of agroecology as documented in a recent paper by Transnational Institute, Crocevia and Friends of the Earth International<fnref n="173" />.

In the future it is expected that more agroecological initiatives, such as some of those represented in this report, will emerge, and for this reason there is a great need not to disperse what has already been learned. More and more collaboration and knowledge co-creation will be needed, not only between agroecological initiatives but also between all the actors involved, both nationally and internationally. Now more than ever, the activities of organisations working closely with Italian agroecological farmers should be promoted by regional CAP Rural Development Plans and beyond (Table 1, ITA-KI-6, ITA-KI-8, ITA-KI-9, ITA-KI-15).

In respect to this, the need to identify the role of "community facilitators" as a professional activity has emerged (Table 1, ITA-KI-6, ITA-KI-8, ITA-KI-9 & ITA-KI-1). The person who is in charge of "facilitating" transition processes, possesses transversal skills ranging from technical to economic, social and research aspects and is able to dialogue with different actors and worlds informally and in different contexts; this figure has been called a social broker, free-actor (person with no vested interests), innovation broker (collector and distributor of innovations), or catalyst (Klerkx and Rein Gildemacher 2012, Peter Wigboldus et al. 2016).

Also, the need to promote and enhance paths for accessing to land, starting up and running agroecological farms has emerged. These are not just issues related to the world of agriculture, in fact these issues take on a much broader role including cultural, social and environmental issues. A challenge for the years to come will certainly be to put these issues on the national and local political agenda to reverse the current trend of investments aimed mainly at favouring industrial agriculture.

Looking to future perspectives, youth-led innovation has often been mentioned by our informants, according to whom young people should be at the heart of this agroecological movement and better supported and incentivised (Table 1, ITA-KI-1, ITA-KI-2, ITA-KI-4, ITA-KI-5, ITA-KI-7, ITA-KI-9 & ITA-KI-11). In Italy there is a perceived growing interest in agroecology among young people, university graduates in agricultural disciplines and not only, and many young people decide to return to the land after their studies, with greater readiness to innovations than the old generation of farmers and better communication and networking skills (Table 1, ITA-KI-1, ITA-KI-4, ITA-KI-5, ITA-KI-7, ITA-KI-8, ITA-KI-9, ITA-KI-10 & ITA-KI-11). Also in the field of research, a new generation of university researchers is expected with a much more open outlook than the older generations, partly due to study and research pathways in international contexts (for example through Erasmus programmes). In particular, they are more open to collaboration

<footnote n="173">¹⁷³ https://www.tni.org/en/junk-agroecology</footnote>
between different disciplines and to a participatory approach (ITA-KI-11, Table 1). On the other hand, the Italian university system is often reluctant to adopt a transdisciplinary approach to these new trends. A challenge in the coming future for the academic world be to leave more room for innovation as well as facilitate the active involvement of the student's participation and involvements in projects (ITA-KI-2 & ITA-KI-11, Table 1). This same project was an example of a good agroecological approach that, through the active participation and involvement of young professionals in the country, provided the opportunity to lay the foundations for a future network of young people interested in this field.

The authors are thankful to Jessica Donham for proofreading this report.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No101000478.

## ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We want to warmly thank all the people that contributed and took part in this work.

We thank all the key informants and initiatives that shared their time and valuable information with us. We thank them for their enthusiasm, time and honesty and for the great work they are putting on every day to make this world a better place.

As many of you shared the information anonymously, we decided to not name any of you, but we will make sure to send to each of you our gratitude in person, share the final work and keep this network active in the years to come.

We also thank all the people that gave an important contribution to make this project real, allowing the active participation of young researchers and assisting in putting together all the inspiring and valuable information we obtained both in Italian and in English: the AE4EU team (special thanks to Baptiste G., Paola M. and Alexander W.), AIDA (Tommaso G, Valentina V. and Stefano B.). A special thanks to Tommaso for initiating this collaboration between the two parties and enabling the creation of a team of mappers.

We thank Monica G. and the whole Laimburg team for the active collaboration on the project.

We thank Lucas W. for the enthusiast collaboration within the project and for making possible to also have not-online contacts with the initiatives, despite the pandemic situation we are living in.

Working in big inclusive teams and involving different actors can be extremely challenging and time-consuming, but it certainly multiplies the positive effects of it, and we are convinced that it is always worthwhile.
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Rete Rurale Nazionale, CREA e MIPAAF (2021) APPROCCIO AGRO ECOLOGICO E BIODISTRETTI, analisi di due casi studio, documento realizzato nell'ambito del Programma Rete Rurale Nazionale 2014-20, Maggio 2021, https://www.crea.gov.it/documents/68457/0/Biodistretti+e+egroecologia.pdf/8e90787d-dc04-5aff-b2fb-f235e1f3e142+t=162100832
# MAPPING AGROECOLOGY IN KOSOVO

**AUTHOR:** Maja Mlinarec, Agroecology Europe.

**REVIEWERS:** Baptiste Grard and Alexander Wezel, ISARA; Vasileios Gkisakis, ELGO-DIMITRA; Karla Škorjanc, Agroecology Europe.

**TO CITE:** Mlinarec, M. (2023). Mapping agroecology in Kosovo. In: Wezel, A., Grard, B. and Gkisakis, V. (eds). Mapping agroecology in Europe. Country Reports Series, Vol. 1, ISARA, Lyon, France; Agroecology Europe, Corbais, Belgium.

<figure><img src="image_1191.png" /></figure>

Fondation de France

<figure><img src="image_1192.png" /></figure>

This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France. This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Agroecology Europe
KOSOVO
---
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Agroecology in Kosovo is still in its initial phase. As a term, it is rarely used and when it is, it is mostly in its most narrow meaning. Still, since Kosovo has maintained plenty of traditional farmers, some agroecological practices are noticeable. For instance, families in rural areas who produce for their own needs, use old varieties of crops, crop rotations and homemade organic fertilisers, and practice companion planting in their polyculture gardens. When it comes to production, agroecology is primarily seen through organic agriculture, which is also in the beginning phase but increasing.

There are no studies or research being done on agroecology, the impact of agriculture on the environment, nor suitable sustainable practices. Thus, the need for upscaling knowledge production, especially at the academic level, is recognised. The institutional infrastructure, in the sense of available funding and support from experts, is poor. Civil society, non-governmental organisations and individuals are campaigning for societal and environmental change, and are often involved in corresponding emerging movements. This also influences agricultural practices which is slowly creating a favourable environment for the spread of agroecology.
# KOSOVO
## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

### IN ALBANIAN

Agroekologjia në Kosovë është në fazën fillestare. Si term rrallëherë përdoret dhe shumë shpesh vetëm në kuptim të ngushtë. Megjithatë edhe tek fermerët tradicional, prej të cilëve ka shumë, vërehen disa praktika të agroekologjisë. Për shembull, familjet në zonat rurale që prodhojnë për nevojat e tyre përdorin varietete të vjetra të kulturave, praktikojnë mbjelljen shoqëruese të bimëve në kopshtet e tyre polikulturore, bëjnë rotacion të të mbjellave dhe përdorin plehra organike të cilat i bëjnë vet. Sa i përket prodhimit, agroekologjia shihet më së shumti nën prizmin e agrikulturës organike, e cila poashtu është në fazën fillestare, por me prodhues të çertifikuar organik në rritje.

Nuk ka studime ose hulumtime të cilat merren me agroekologjinë, ndikimin e agrikulturës e as me praktikat e përshtatshme dhe të qëndrueshme në Kosovë. Prandaj nevoja për të rritur krijmin e dijes, veçanërisht në rrafshin akademik, vërehet. Infrastruktura institucionale në kuptimin e fondeve dhe mbështetjes nga ekspertët është e vobektë. Si rrjedhojë, shoqëria civile, organizatat jo-qeveritare dhe individ të tjerë po e promovojnë ndryshimin shoqëror dhe mjedisor, e që shpesh ndërlidhet me lëvizje të ngjashme të cilat po zhvillohen në botë. Kjo ndikon në praktikat agrikulturore gjithashtu, duke krijuar dalëngadalë një mjedis të favorshëm për përhapjen e agroekologjisë e si rrjedhojë të bëhet edhe më e njohur.

### IN SERBIAN

Agroekologija na Kosovu je u početnoj fazi. Kao termin, koristi se retko i najčešće u uskom značenju te reči. Uz mnogo tradicionalnih poljoprivrednika, primećuju se neke agroekološke prakse. Na primer, porodice u ruralnim sredinama koje proizvode za sopstvene potrebe koriste stare sorte useva, u svojim polikulturnim baštama praktikuju sadnju biljaka koje se međusobno slažu, rotiraju useve i prave domaća organska đubriva. Kada je u pitanju proizvodnja, agroekologija se uglavnom posmatra kroz organsku poljoprivredu koja je također u početnoj fazi, ali sa postepenim povećanjem broja sertifikovanih organskih proizvođača.

Ne postoje studije niti istraživanja koja se odnose na agroekologiju, utjecaju poljoprivrede na životnu sredinu niti o odgovarajućim održivim praksama na Kosovu, stoga je prepoznata potreba za proizvodnjom znanja, posebno na akademskom nivou. Infrastruktura koju nude institucije, u smislu raspoloživih finansijskih sredstava i pidrške stručnjaka je na slabom nivou. Civilno društvo, nevladine organizacije i pojidinci vode kampanje za društvene promene i promene za životnu sredinu, a često su i uključeni u pokrete u nastajanju. Ovo utiče i na poljoprivrednu praksu, polako stvarajući povoljan ambijent za širenje agroekologije, kako bi postala poznatija.
# 1. METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The information regarding key informants in Kosovo are summarised in Table 1.

<table><caption>**Table 1:** List of key informants in Kosovo.</caption><thead><tr><th>Key informant nº</th><th>Type of organisation</th><th>Main sector of involvement</th><th colspan="2">ACTIVITY CATEGORY CONCERNED</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Company</td><td>Medicinal and aromatic plants</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Infrastructure</td><td>Agricultural development</td><td>House</td><td>Lab</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>University</td><td>Agroecology</td><td>Lab</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>NGO</td><td>Permaculture and regenerative agriculture</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>NGO</td><td>Organic production</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>NGO</td><td>Food sovereignty</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Company</td><td>Composting</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>NGO</td><td>Supporting women in agriculture</td><td>People</td><td>House</td></tr></tbody></table>

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# 2. CONTEXT

Kosovo is a Southeastern European country, with a climate which combines both Mediterranean and continental conditions. Geographically landlocked, and located on a plateau, Kosovo's surface is almost 1.1 million ha, out of which about half is agricultural land (570,000 ha), with 52% being pastures and meadows, 45% arable land, and only 3% permanent plantations with fruit trees. (KAS - Agricultural household survey 2019).

The high rates of unemployment in Kosovo keep agriculture very present. The majority of families in the sub-urban and rural areas produce food at a smaller scale, mainly for self-consumption, but also directed to farmer markets. Land is mostly owned by men and because of the inheriting tradition, it is very fragmented – an average farm is smaller than 1.5 ha and is fragmented into several smaller land plots (Fetahu et al. 2018).
The agricultural sector has an economic importance, as it employs 2.3% of Kosovo's workforce. Agricultural production is supported by direct payments from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, which increased by 150% in the last 5 years, with approximately 30.6 million euros in 2019 (Kosovo Agriculture in Numbers 2020). Furthermore, even though Kosovo is not a member of the UN, the country received millions of euros of financial support for agriculture by international donors, including the GIZ, Swiss Caritas, and USAID.

The agriculture sector contributes to 8.1% of the GDP of the economy of Kosovo, but the annual trade balance is almost 650 million euros more of imported produce, as opposed to exported (Bakija et al. 2019). Much of the agricultural produce is imported from neighbouring Balkan countries, as well as big producers, including Turkey, Germany, Spain and Egypt. As a consequence, only a small fraction of the local production is available at the Kosovar markets. Kosovo faces severe environmental problems, including pollution, which is primarily due to two coal power plants that produce about 90% of the country's energy, although their closure was planned decades ago. The coal (lignite) used by these power plants degrades the land through mining and polluting (side-produce, combustion) and creates significant damage to agricultural surfaces (Ramadani et al. 2018).

Besides this, the agricultural sector is affected by land loss due to contamination, erosion, construction (especially illegal construction or achieve without proper urban planning), inadequate manure treatment and wastewaters created by farms and the processing industry. There is also a lack of proper implementation of strategies and policies which are recommended by external states like the EU and the USA, to tackle these issues, mainly due to political obstacles preventing them from being implemented.

Vocational training and expertise in the agricultural sector in Kosovo is largely insufficient-a high percentage of farmers haven't finished school and only 12% have completed a vocational agricultural school (Zejnullahi 2018). Additionally, advisory services in Kosovo are very understaffed, with only one extension specialist for more than one thousand farmers. In addition to having to deal with a number of tasks outside of their primary expertise, the specialists often have limited knowledge related to specific agriculture sector they are advising on, farm management, marketing and business planning (OECD, 2018). Furthermore, agricultural technicians, as well as decision makers in governmental institutions, are often not well trained in the industries they are representing. (KI-2, Table 1).

In Kosovo, agroecology is a new term, and not very known, as pointed out by most of the key informants. (KI-2 & KI-7, Table 1). While it is somewhat present in the academic and institutional level, it is viewed on a theoretical basis alone. Among NGOs and small businesses, it is more present through the various regenerative practices used for agricultural production and environmental sustainability. Currently, agroecology is mostly present through organic agricultural practices among professional producers, and through traditional farming knowledge among families that produce for their own needs. Furthermore, there are NGOs and several businesses who are creating change by raising public awareness about different practices, through marketing of local products and organising educational activities on topics such as organic agricultural practices, urban food production, composting, permaculture education, and similar concepts. The organic sector has been growing since 2013, when the organic agriculture subsidies programme started. At the moment, the majority (95%) of organic agriculture focuses on cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as non-wood forest produce (e.g. berries, mushrooms), all of which are being exported. The collection and cultivation of these crops almost tripled since 2017, as these are the most profitable for export (Halimi et al. 2018).
# 3. CURRENT SITUATION OF AGROECOLOGY

## 3.1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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Although agroecology is in its initial phase in Kosovo, there are a couple universities that offer study courses or classes related to the topic. For example, the Faculty of Agribusiness at University Haxhi Zeka, Peja/Peć, offers the study programme "Agro-environment and Agro-ecology", and the International Business College Mitrovica offers a study programme titled "Environmental and Agriculture Management". In the other faculties related to agriculture, there are only few classes that touch on the topic of environment, sustainability (in any form) and consequently agroecology. Nevertheless, even when courses are directly linked to agroecology, the topic is approached in a narrow way, without including many practices and social components of agroecology, instead focusing on the scientific level which investigates and analyses agroecosystems. Moreover, the students attending the previously mentioned faculties do not have practical experience in sustainable production, and are therefore not equipped to become producers after their studies have been completed.

Kosovo also seems to not have many agroecological experts (Ramadani et. al 2018) that are sufficiently equipped with knowledge for any kind of sustainable agricultural production. The staff of universities and organisations that work in the education and training are urging for more expertise in the field to further the potential of agroecology in Kosovo. (KI-2, Table 1) The NGOs that are connected to agroecology provide education and training on various agricultural topics, focusing primarily on agricultural practices and their influence to the environment, as well as on regional development. These programmes are targeting students of agricultural sciences, farmers and business owners, as well as the larger public, to raise awareness on agroecology. The NGO sector is quite strong in Kosovo, with many working directly with farmers, providing short- and long-term training in agriculture, especially organic agriculture (Halimi et al. 2018). A good example is youth education where the NGO "Initiative for Agricultural Development of Kosovo" provides internship positions for students to learn about agricultural practices through field work with producers.

There are also organisations that deal with environmental issues and bring forward the topics of sustainability, food waste, permaculture, food sovereignty, and many others. One example is "GAIA Kosovo" that provides education in the form of events, workshops and trainings to people from Kosovo and abroad, tackling environmental and social issues through topics of permaculture, societal inclusion, gender equality, regenerative agriculture, and much more.

## 3.2. LIVING LAB

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Currently, no initiatives were found in Kosovo that can be recognised as agroecological living labs.
## 3.3. MOVEMENT

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Although there are no organisations or cooperatives dedicated directly to agroecology, the movement activity category is still developing in Kosovo. A number of NGOs are working on the promotion of sustainability, with the aim to improve agricultural practices and provide additional education for farmers and the general public (Madžarić et al. 2019).

There are several grassroot organisations that are creating urban gardens and bringing food production back to cities which are gathering a large number of youth that challenge the mainstream perspective. There are also several NGOs that cooperate with decision-makers to create policy and lobby for "greener laws". As an example, NGOs Fondacioni Jeshil and GAIA Kosovo both work toward promoting permaculture and creating local solutions for global problems. The work of such initiatives is broad, as they focus on environmental, as well as social sustainability, in all of their actions and activities. They also develop pilot projects on permacultural gardens across Kosovo, in urban, sub-urban and rural areas, functioning as community garden examples for training purposes. Both organisations work with schools, universities, farmers, young people, and at times even directly with farmers in order to support in becoming certified organic. Others put their efforts into presenting topics such as food sovereignty and composting to the public. Finally, the NGO "EcoKosWomen" works towards gender equality by supporting a number of female farmers of all ages in knowledge building on topics such as sustainable agricultural practices and business management.

## 3.4. PRACTICE

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The term agroecology is not well-known in Kosovo and most farmers do not use it when describing their work. When agroecology is recognised, it is through the organic sector which is developing fast at the national level. Though there are still only a very small percentage of organic producers, since 2017, certified organic production almost tripled in ha of cultivated land and collecting capacities - mainly for medical and aromatic plants, as well as non-wood forest products (Halimi et al. 2018).

Despite the lack of awareness for the term, agroecological practices in Kosovo are visible, when the traditional knowledge existing at country level is considered. These agricultural traditions include small-scale farming practices, agricultural polyculture gardens, organic and homemade fertilisers, integrated pest and disease management, as well as seed saving. However, some traditional practices also involve certain soil degrading practices, such as deep ploughing, tillage or burning field residues post-harvest.

Organic production is often oriented towards commercialisation and the great majority of organically produced products are being exported to European and North American markets. Existing companies are currently producing medicinal and aromatic plants (both wild-harvested and cultivated) and non-wood forest products (collecting mushrooms, berries, etc.), as these can easily be preserved and sold abroad at satisfying prices. The local organic market is only starting to gain interest and may increase in coming years however, the country's low GDP is the main limiting factor for the proliferation of local consumption of organic produce.
The certification for organic agriculture in Kosovo is heavily centralised, as it is managed by only two inspection agencies, which are foreign, private enterprises ("Albinspekt" from Albania and "Q-check P.C." from Greece) (Halimi et al. 2018). This reality makes certification more complicated and financially burdensome for farmers, which is not easy for small producers. There is however discussions occurring within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development to establish a Kosovo certification body in the coming years.

Advisory services in agriculture are very poor, as they lack resources and capacity, meaning that one advisor is responsible for several hundreds of farmers. Further, farmers don't seem to be interested in increasing their agroecological capacities, both in knowledge and production, as their main interests are usually financial.

Most businesses that have incorporated agroecological practices are founded by young people that are aware of environmental issues, and usually have received grants (e.g., start-up grant or a project by foreign donor). There are many international donors that offer grants for entrepreneurship and agriculture. We found no examples of Community Supported Agriculture nor cooperatives that connect small farmers and place their produce on the market together. Besides organised initiatives (businesses, producers, NGOs) there is a small number of individuals that practice permaculture, regenerative agriculture, biodynamics, and other types of sustainable agricultural practices, but all on a very small-scale.

### 3.5. SCIENCE

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When considering the scientific sector, Kosovo has a few Universities with study courses or classes related to agroecology; namely, the University of Prishtina/Priština, with its Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary sciences, as well as the Faculty of Agribusiness at the University of Haxhi Zeka in Peja/Peć, which offers agroecology related classes to their students. Some additional

universities offer related classes, but in a smaller number. Nevertheless, the curricula offer a very narrow agroecological understanding, and the students do not gain enough knowledge to produce using agroecological techniques, nor does it involve political, economic or cultural aspects of agroecology.

Most young people that are aspiring to pursue agriculture professionally prefer to study abroad, and often do not return to Kosovo. Several local universities have connections with institutions abroad, but mostly with the intention to strengthen the capacities of their staff without creating enough opportunities for the students.

Agricultural practices and research in Kosovo is largely supported by international grants. Several projects relevant to agroecology were implemented through these international projects, with big stakeholders such as USAID, Swiss Caritas or GIZ. Another example of a large and successful project is KOSAGRI, which took place from 2010 until 2017. This project was realised in partnership with CIHEAM, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Italy, which assisted the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (Madžarić et al. 2019). Altogether though, there is still a significant lack of knowledge and infrastructure, such as agricultural research, novelties in education, and financial services and information services which is hindering the further development of agroecology.
## 4. AGROECOLOGY INITIATIVES, CASES AND EXAMPLES

<table><caption>**Table 2:** An overview about initiatives, cases and examples described and analysed.</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE N°</th><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE NAME</th><th rowspan="2">SCALE</th><th rowspan="2">TYPE OF STRUCTURE</th><th rowspan="2">AIM</th><th colspan="5">ACTIVITY CATEGORIES</th></tr><tr><th>EDUCATION & RESEARCH</th><th>LIVING LAB</th><th>MOVEMENT</th><th>PRACTICE</th><th>SCIENCE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Organika</td><td>National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Support and promote organic agriculture</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Initiative for Agricultural Development of Kosovo (IADK)</td><td>National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Promotion of good agricultural practices and rural development</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>GAIA</td><td>Local / National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Promotion of regenerative agro-environmental practices</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Fondacioni Jeshil</td><td>National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Raising awareness on sustainable practice and reducing food waste</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Botanic</td><td>Local/ national</td><td>Business</td><td>Supports local farmers and provides organic produce for Kosovo market</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Kompostopia</td><td>Local</td><td>Business</td><td>Increase organic production, local value chain</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>House</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><caption>**Table 3:** Additional initiatives, cases and examples in the country - not included in this report.</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE NAME</th><th rowspan="2">SCALE</th><th rowspan="2">TYPE OF STRUCTURE</th><th rowspan="2">AIM</th><th colspan="5">ACTIVITY CATEGORIES</th></tr><tr><th>EDUCATION & RESEARCH</th><th>LIVING LAB</th><th>MOVEMENT</th><th>PRACTICE</th><th>SCIENCE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Walnut Tree Foundation</td><td>Local / National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Promotion and use of regenerative agriculture practices.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Agro-Florentina sh.p.k.</td><td>National</td><td>Farmers, exportation of organic product</td><td>Organic production for export, supporting small scale farmers.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EcoKosWomen</td><td>National</td><td>Civil society - NGO</td><td>Supporting women in agriculture.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
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EDUCATION

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MOVEMENT

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PRACTICE

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LIVING LAB

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SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°1 – ORGANIKA

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ORGANIKA

https://organika-ks.org/en/home/

ORGANIKA

ORGANIKA is an association established in 2013 in Prishtina/Priština, with the aim to improve interactions between stakeholders in the organic sector in Kosovo. It promotes the development of organic agriculture in the country, but they do not use the term agroecology in their work. They currently work with around 40 farmers, supporting them in becoming certified organic, as well as by training them in different practices directly in the field.

The organisation focuses on providing trainings and workshops for the production of medicinal and aromatic plants, non-wood forest products, and organic fruit, as well as by supporting farmers to find markets for their products. Such educational activities are organised on a regular basis, lasting from one to several days. Some activities target vulnerable groups of farmers, for instance there is a set of trainings for women which aim to increase their knowledge in production and marketing, thus increasing their revenue in their existing companies or empower them to start their own business. Trainings include both theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as visits to organic producers who present their work and discuss the benefits and challenges they are faced with.

ORGANIKA collaborates with a few international organisations such as USAID and GIZ, who support the implementation of agroecology related projects.

Beside these collaborations, ORGANIKA is a member of IFOAM, and it is well connected to institutions in Kosovo, with whom they cooperate on policy making.

ORGANIKA plans to increase their capacities in the future to support an increasing number of farmers by providing education about organic production to farmers and the public in order to impact the local market. ORGANIKA's reliance on outside projects for financing creates a limiting factor for such growth though.

KEY FEATURES

* **Type of education and training:** training and activities for promotion of organic agriculture

* **Main topic:** organic agriculture

* **Trainings duration:** several days

* **Type of legal entity:** non-governmental organisation

* **Founded in:** 2013

* **Accessible to:** farmers

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The desire for transition to organic agriculture in Kosovo is much higher than the support offered. It would be very useful to have more organisations and institutions pushing for the transition to organic agriculture, as well as stable financing coming from the government.
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EDUCATION

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MOVEMENT

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PRACTICE

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LIVING LAB

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SCIENCE

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https://iadk.org/

INITIATIVE N°2 – IADK

INITIATIVE FOR AGRICULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT OF KOSOVO
(IADK)

IADK was established in 2004, and has been located in the town of Vushtrri/Vučitrn since 2013. The organisation works on facilitating rural development in Kosovo, with an aim to create better socio-economic conditions in rural areas, reduce unemployment, produce healthy food, transition to a sustainable use of natural resources and engage in environmental protection. The team of IADK consists of around 20 permanent and temporary staff.

The initiative works very closely with farmers and supports them by providing training, equipment and grants in order to increase their knowledge, production capacities, and help them find their place in the market. The trainings they offer are both theoretical and practical, including examples of good practices in various sectors, such

as sessions which focus on specific topics: medicinal and aromatic plants, animal husbandry, fruit and vegetable processing and rural tourism. Trainings are based on both conventional or organic agriculture.

KEY FEATURES

* **Type of education and training:** workshop and activities for rural development

* **Main topics:** rural development

* **Type of legal entity:** non-governmental organisation

* **Accessible to:** farmers

* **Project duration:** up to several weeks

IADK is active in lobbying for policies and projects which contribute to rural development in Kosovo according to EU standards. They also cooperate with other non-governmental organisations, municipalities and government authorities. One of the projects they are part of, "Supporting the value chain of Medicinal Herbs and Aromatic Plants by creation of employment and export continuation", which is supported by GIZ (a German funding agency of international development and cooperation) has enabled them to work with 260 farmers, providing them with trainings of several weeks aimed to aid them in their transition to organic production. Besides working directly with producers, the objective was to improve the value chain for the medicinal herbs and aromatic plants sector by doing such things as building capacities in terms of collection points for this produce (increase facilities, such as drying stations). The initiative doesn't use the term agroecology in their work, but it is implementing it through providing education to farmers, promoting integrated pest management and promoting organic agriculture.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

With its vast experience working in the field and training farmers, the organisation is trusted and producers seek their expertise. The initiative works with a large number of beneficiaries, in all sectors of agriculture. IADK also offers internship possibilities that are a very efficient way of involving young people, coming straight from universities, in agroecology. The NGO provides positions for students and young graduates to learn about agriculture with producers in practice and through field work, as well as about project management.
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MOVEMENT

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EDUCATION

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PRACTICE

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LIVING LAB

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SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°3 – GAIA

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http://gaiakosovo.org/

GAIA

The non-governmental organisation GAIA, was established in 2010 as a response to the social and environmental issues present in Kosovo. The organisation currently hosts three community-based programmes in three different and specific contexts, one of which is specifically focused on permaculture education, which has been running since 2017. This programme aims to create a centre for learning and experiencing different ways of co-living with people and nature. In Boževce/Bozhefc, where the programme is located, the organisation implements agroecology in different ways, both through agricultural practice and social aspects.

Permaculture can be used in various way but within the programme, GAIA focuses on food production practices, such as various regenerative methods in polyculture gardens and orchards. For instance, they use a no-till method, composting, only homemade organic preparations (for pest, disease management, and fertilisation) and traditional farming knowledge.

KEY FEATURES

* Main goals: permaculture education

* Founded in: 2010

* Type of organisation: non-governmental organisation

* Farming sectors: arable and permanent crops, regenerative food production

* Scale of the organisation: national, with long-term local programmes

All of GAIA's programmes are focused on education, with a strategic aim to increase the capacities of youth, organisations and initiatives in Kosovo. The other two GAIA programmes are located in other regions and are not related to agriculture (one on peacebuilding in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë and the other on educating children and youth in Gračanica/Graçanicë). All activities hosted by GAIA are implemented with non-formal education methodologies.

GAIA is part of the international Service Civil International and collaborates with a large number of organisations in Kosovo and abroad that work in the field of permaculture and food production.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

GAIA is a grassroots organisation, where long-term volunteers and permanent staff shape the programmes according to the needs they have recognised in society. Since the organisation works with local people and analyses the local context, it has a strong influence in civil society. GAIA's work is pioneering, bringing innovative and very much needed practices, as well as offering solutions for gaps that are not met by other institutions or organisations.

The organisation also creates non-formal education activities which are appropriate for all people from different generations and with different knowledge and experiences. It has already involved hundreds of people in its educational and volunteering activities, both from Kosovo and abroad.
## POSITIVE IMPACTS

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**EDUCATION:** GAIA organises various activities, from 1-day events to full Permaculture Design Certificate course trainings. These activities aim to explore the regenerative ways of living and co-existing with nature and society.

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**NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT:**

They initiate regenerative agricultural practices in their permaculture gardens and orchards that increase soil fertility, promote efficient water management, increase natural biodiversity, and protect ecosystems.

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**SUSTAINABLE AND FAIR ECONOMICS:** All educational activities are offered free of charge to make them accessible to people who wouldn't usually be able to afford such learning opportunities.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

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**GOVERNANCE:** Farmers receive compensation through already existing funding mechanisms, however this represents a limit as the European and national political frameworks do not always permit innovation, or even adaptation to local settings.

<figure><img src="image_1232.png" /></figure>

**SUSTAINABLE AND FAIR ECONOMICS:** One of GAIA's primary challenges is to maintain regular and long-term income for their staff, since the majority of their resources are directly linked to volunteering, which doesn't offer a stable working environment and presents issues of continuity.
<figure><img src="image_1233.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1234.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1235.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1236.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1237.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°4 – FONDACIONI JESHIL

FONDACIONI JESHIL

Fondacioni Jeshil was established in 2014, in Prishtina/
Priština. It is an environmental NGO working through
permaculture ethics and principles to develop more
sustainable solutions for rural and urban areas. The
organisation engages in various activities such as public
events, workshops and trainings for people to understand
the environmental issues present in Kosovo.

One of their missions is to increase knowledge on
permaculture. While agroecological topics such as food
sovereignty and food waste are their primary aims of
focus, the initiative does not use the term agroecology.
Fondacioni Jeshil focuses on promoting sustainability,
working on community outreach and education, building
awareness, reconnecting youth to nature and raising environmental consciousness. The initiative has
also set up several schools or community gardens to bring people together.

Within their project "Let's talk about food waste", the organisation is initiating a public dialogue on food waste and piloting innovative solutions for its reduction in Kosovo. They are currently involved in the creation of composting facilities in the municipality of Prishtina/Priština and Lipjan/Lipljan. Further, the organisation is developing an online platform for sharing food surpluses, creating a documentary and awareness-raising campaign, organising food system related public events and organised a public forum meeting.

They are collaborating with different institutions and non-governmental organisations such as the FAO and Nyeleni – the international movement for food sovereignty.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The initiative is well recognised by the citizens and attracts a lot of attention with its activities. They focus a lot of their work on the education of consumers and the general public. Being based in the capital of Kosovo, the initiative has close contacts with the younger generations, especially considering its cooperation with schools.

The strategy of the organisation is designed with permaculture ethics and principles, which bring environmental topics closer to the people.

<figure><img src="image_1238.png" /></figure>

http://fondacionijeshil.org

KEY FEATURES

• Main goal: food sovereignty

• Founded in: 2014

• Type of organisation: non-governmental organisation

• Main topic: food sovereignty and food waste

• Scale of the organisation: national
## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1239.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** The initiative is cooperating and working with many national and international partners, thus brings different perspectives to their work.

<figure><img src="image_1240.png" /></figure>

**ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:** The initiative is reducing the amount of waste generated in the city by setting up composting schemes and facilities, including vermicomposting. The eduction of waste is an important part in their work, and trainings and awareness-raising campaigns are regularly organised for this.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1241.png" /></figure>

**SUSTAINABLE AND FAIR ECONOMICS:** Local and sustainably produced food is not very accessible in the capital Prishtina/Priština, therefore the organisation has recognised the need for a system of connecting producers and customers. However, this connection between the capital and surrounding rural areas has not been achieved yet.

<figure><img src="image_1242.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** Working at the policy-making level is challenging due to the lack of human capacity in public institutions and difficulties in administration.
<figure><img src="image_1243.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1244.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1245.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1246.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1247.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

INITIATIVE N°5 – BOTANIC

<figure><img src="image_1248.png" /></figure>

Facebook: @Botanicllc

Instagram: @Botanicllc

BOTANIC

Botanic is a young, woman-run agricultural enterprise founded by two sisters in 2018, which started with an initial start-up grant. This initiative is one of the rare examples of local organic produce company, collecting and cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. A large part of the collected and packed product is exported internationally as organic, raw materials. The enterprises' agroecological agricultural practices are: seed saving, crop rotations, and traditional fertilisation methods made by the farmers themselves.

Since Botanic's objective is to be an environmentally responsible business, it offers certified organic products in recycled and biodegradable packaging. Even though the business currently only offers medicinal and aromatic plants, it is developing capacity to begin producing organic vegetable and fruits, for the local market.

KEY FEATURES

* **Agroecological practices concerned:** organic agriculture, including seed saving, crop rotation, traditional fertilisation

* **Founded in:** 2018

* **Farming sectors concerned:** permanent crops

* **Lead organisation:** botanic

* **Types of stakeholders involved:** around 40 farmers

Botanic is often present at local events related to sustainability and in agricultural fairs. In 2021, they were showcased as an example of an environmentally friendly business at the Sustainable Development Week in Kosovo. The initiative also places great importance on connecting with other producers and organisations involved in the environmental and agricultural sector in Kosovo.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The promotion and development of synergies, and collaboration between actors in the food supply chain could be further strengthened. Direct relationships with consumers is still limited as organic remains a rather small niche. By having a business that is wholly run by women creates positivity impacts for gender equality where the majority of women are unemployed.
## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1249.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** Botanic encourages their farmers to attend trainings and seminars about organic agriculture to continue their education, and they provide workshops and activities for continuous learning for their employees. It is also present at environmental fairs where they sell their products and promote organic agriculture.

<figure><img src="image_1250.png" /></figure>

**SOCIETY AND EQUITY:** The business is run by young women and all of their suppliers are women. In this way, Botanic directly supports them and their families.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1251.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** The promotion and development of synergies and collaboration between actors in the food supply chain could be further strengthened. Direct relationships with consumers are still limited.

<figure><img src="image_1252.png" /></figure>

**SUSTAINABLE AND FAIR ECONOMICS:** Botanic is a small business that is not yet producing a sufficient income. The staff of the business needs to have other sources of income to make ends meet.
<figure><img src="image_1253.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1254.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1255.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1256.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1257.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°6 – KOMPOSTOPIA

<figure><img src="image_1258.png" /></figure>

kompostopia

a composting utopia

Facebook: @Kompostopia

KOMPOSTOPIA

Kompostopia is a newly developed business that was founded in 2019 and is operating in Peja/Peć, Western Kosovo. Their aim is to connect wast related environmental problems and poor agricultural input management.

Kompostopia is run by 3 permanent staff members who collect organic waste from households in the municipality of Peja/Peć and turns it into compost. The facilities are currently rather small, but in the next few years, the operation capacity is planned to increase.

Kosovo does not legally allow for any business to be categorised as a 'social business' when they first begin. They first need to establish themselves as a regular business and after 3 years can transition to a social business, which is

Kompostopia's aim. Waste management is a large issue in Kosovo, so this kinds of composting facilities, even though small in capacity, are a positive example of a business which involves the local community and employs young people.

The concept of compost is not very known to farmers in Kosovo, as it's not usually used in larger-scale agriculture, so it is a particular local product which farmers can use without needing to import it from other countries.

Another objective of Kompostopia is to work more on education. They are currently running and developing a training programme for farmers and citizens (e.g. school children), with an aim to teach farmers how to do on-site composting.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

Kompostopia is a pionner in the field of waste management and composting in Kosovo, which is opening doors to composting on a wider scale in the rest of the country. In less than 3 years, the initiative established a connection with local institutions and supports them in creating new composting facilities.

KEY FEATURES

* Agroecological practices concerned: composting

* Founded in: 2019

* Lead organisation: Kompostopia

* Number of stakeholder involved: 20
## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1259.png" /></figure>

**ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:**

Reducing and recycling organic waste is the major goal of the initiative. The business also provides 2-days training programmes for elementary and high school students to make them aware of composting practices and to inspire them to implement such methods in their schools.

<figure><img src="image_1260.png" /></figure>

**NATURAL RESOURCES AND**

**BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT:** By creating compost, the business directly influences waste management, as well as raising awareness on increasing soil fertility. At the facility, rain water is collected and used for maintaining composts' humidity.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1261.png" /></figure>

**COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL,**

**FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE:** The business is running well, but so far, they have no savings for investment. The establishment and the further development of the company was based on external grants and subsidies.

<figure><img src="image_1262.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** They have found it

difficult to initiate contacts with local public institutions, and only recently, were contacts and common ground established with the municipality of Peja/Peć.

<figure><img src="image_1263.png" /></figure>

**SOCIETY AND EQUITY:** Waste

management and composting is seen as a dirty and low-status job, and few people want to get involved in it.
# 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Even if agroecology in Kosovo is in its initial phase, the existing initiatives are working on the development of sustainable practices in the country. At the moment, there are limited examples of agroecology and publically, agroecology is mostly seen through the sphere of organic agriculture, which is developing slowly as the market demand is moderate. Another limiting factor for agricultural development is the corruption in public institutions, and even though it is a general problem in governments, it also has effects on the low level of trust consumers have towards organic agriculture. Additionally, due to the lack of public awareness on environmental issues and the low GDP found in Kosovo, the organic sector is not considered to be completely developed, and almost all organic produce are exported. Stakeholders should explore and promote the benefits of transitioning to organic agriculture for the Kosovar market. Most farmers that engage in organic agriculture are motivated by higher subsidies and higher prices for their produce.

Currently, the public is not aware of the concept of agroecology, including farmers and environmental stakeholders. However, potential for agroecology in Kosovo does exist, but it needs a dissemination of much more information about its approaches and principles and its implementation in practices, science, education and training, and social movements. The initiatives that were most recently developed have great potential to set the foundations for the development of agroecology at the country-wide level.

## ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France. This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use which may be made of the information contained therein. The authors are thankful to Jessica Donham for proofreading this report.

## REFERENCES

Agroecology Europe, 2020. Agroecology initiatives in Europe 232 pages. https://www.agroecology-europe.org/mapping-of-agroecology-initiatives-in-eu/
Balogh, L., Katalin, R., Balazs, B., 2020. Mapping agroecology in Hungary. https://www.agroecology-europe.org/mapping-agroecology-initiatives-hungary/
Bakija, D.H., Xhaferi, H., Maksuti, A., Mekuli, E., Bajrami, S., Dabiqaj, B., Duraku, Sh., Tërshnjaku Sh., Blakaj, A., 2019. Green Report 2019.
CERAI, 2019. CERAI - Sistemas alimentarios territorializados en España 100 iniciativas locales para una alimentación responsable y sostenible.
Fetahu, S., Latifi, F., 2018. Agri-environmental policy in Kosovo.
Halimi, K., Cikaqi, I., Gjokaj, E., Avdiu, V., Pugliese, P., Cardone, G., Madžarić, S., Pasko, P., Contento, F., 2018. National Organic Action Plan of the Republic of Kosovo 2018-2021.
Madžarić, S., Al Bitar, L., Bteich, M.R., Pugliese, P., 2019. Mediterranean Organic Agriculture Network Report 2019.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, 2020. Kosovo agriculture in Numbers.

Ministry of Finance, 2019. Series 2: Agriculture and Environment Statistics, Agriculture Holdings Survey 2019.

OECD (2018), Competitiveness in South East Europe: A Policy Outlook 2018, Competitiveness and Private Sector Development, OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264298576-en

Ramadani, I., Bytyqi, V., 2018. Processes Affecting Sustainable Use of Agricultural Land in Kosovo.

Stolze, K., Moschitz, H., Schneider, M., Heeb, M., 2005. Needs assessment for information and communication capacity building in the national agriculture research systems with particular emphasis on ecological and organic agricultural production in Bulgaria, Serbia and Kosovo.

Wezel, A., Casagrande, M., Celette, F., Vian, J.-F., Ferrer, A., Peigné, J., 2014. Agroecological practices for sustainable agriculture. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 34, 1-20.

Wezel, A., Soldat, V., 2009. A quantitative and qualitative historical analysis of the scientific discipline of agroecology. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 7, 3-18.
MAPPING AGROECOLOGY IN
MALTA

**AUTHOR:** Massimiliano Sanfilippo and Samwel Grima, Agroecology Europe

**REVIEWERS:** Baptiste Grard and Alexander Wezel, ISARA; Vasileios Gkisakis, ELGO-DIMITRA

**TO CITE:** Sanfilippo M. and Grima S. (2023). Mapping agroecology in Malta. In: Wezel, A., Grard, B. and Gkisakis, V. (eds) Mapping agroecology in Europe. Country Reports Series, Vol. 1, ISARA, Lyon, France, Agroecology Europe, Corbais, Belgium.

<figure><img src="image_1264.png" /></figure>

Fondation
de
France

<figure><img src="image_1265.png" /></figure>

This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France. This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Agroecology
Europe
MALTA
---
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This investigation aims to map agroecological producers, initiatives and research institutions in Malta, while gauging the development of agroecology as a system of principles with dedicated institutions. The data was collected through interviews both in person (farmers, shop owner) and online.

While the interviews revealed a poor awareness of agroecology as a term, there was a keen interest in the principles that are central to it as a practice. While almost all participants were organic farmers, shops or NGOs, and identified strongly with the organic sector, they were often keen to stress that their practices went beyond the rigid regulations and obligations imposed by the process of certification, and were strongly beholden to the environment and their communities.

Currently, Maltese farming is declining, due to an aging population, a dearth of youths (the participants in this study are an exception), and to the fact that land has a high opportunity cost as recreational or developable land. Maltese agriculture remains traditional, with small family farms that are usually fragmented between various heirs. Further, drought and increasing pests are also compounding pressure on farmers, while imports are pushing prices down, creating less economic viability for farmers. While organic farmers are still few in number, they exert a disproportionate influence on agricultural debates and the consciousness of farmers as a whole, creating a new generation of youths in the industry that is slowly changing the perception of the sector in many ways.

The principles of agroecology were first introduced into Maltese agriculture by a number of farmers who began experimenting with organic practices. These individuals formed the Malta Organic Agricultural Movement, and in subsequent years (particularly after EU accession), other NGOs (mostly from environmental backgrounds) have focused on such sustainable farming principles. However, the market demand for sustainable farming products is still low, and while the government has responded to the increasing awareness of organic products, transforming its share in the market is a slow process. Maltese farmers also face structural challenges relating to planning and regulation. While various spaces and movements have brought organic farmers together, there is a lack of effort to speak with one, unified voice.

Educational programmes focusing on agroecology are scant and no living labs have been established in Malta thus far. Nevertheless, there is academic interest in conducting research on the topic, and at least one institute has a specific focus on bridging agriculture with environmental conservation.

Most of the initiatives surveyed in this study are of a commercial, primarily individual, nature. However, there is evidence that those involved are committed to the principles that animate their practices - principles which are in turn deeply committed to environmental and social responsibility. Shared spaces are emerging in which farmers co-act and cooperate with other farmers, activists, and consumers. Lastly, there is a lack of strong institutional frameworks that recognise, support and provide required incentives for the unique opportunity of organic agriculture in Malta. According to interviewees, such institutional support and recognition is needed to increase the number of grassroots initiatives that bring people back to the land.
# MALTA
## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (IN MALTESE)

Dan l-istudju sar bil-mira li jiġu 'mmapjati inizjattivi agroekoloġiċi varji fil-gżejjer Maltin, inizjattivi li jinkludu kemm l-intrapriżi ta' produtturi kif ukoll movimenti bħal NGOs, u istituzzjonijiet ta' riċerka. L-iskop ta' dan l-eżerċizzju kien li tinħoloq stampa tal-livell ta' żvilupp tal-agroekoloġija, kemm bħala sistema ta' prinċipji kif ukoll f'termini tal-istituzzjonijiet li jħaddnuha u jirrapreżentawha.

L-intervisti ma' bdiewa u mas-sid tal-ħanut saru wiċċ imb'wiċċ, u l-kumplament saru online. Il-maġġoranza tal-parteċipanti kienu bdiewa organiċi, jew jidentifikaw mas-settur organiku. Ħafna mill-intervisti urew li t-terminu 'agroekoloġija' għadu mhux magħruf sew hawn Malta, però l-parteċipanti urew interess qawwi u għarfien tajjeb tal-prinċipji varji li huma ċentrali għall-agroekoloġija bħala prattika. Infatti, spiss saħqu li fix-xogħol tagħhom imorru lil hinn mir-regoli u obbligi stretti marbutin maċ-ċertifikazzjoni tal-organiku, u kellhom sens ta' responsabiltà kbira lejn l-ambjent ta' madwarhom u l-komunità tagħhom.

Il-biedja Maltija qiegħda tonqos. Il-popolazzjoni ta' bdiewa xjaħet, u hemm nuqqas ta' żgħażagħ, għalkemm uħud mill-parteċipanti f'dan l-istudju huma eċċezzjoni f'dak ir-rigward. L-irziezet Maltin huma żgħar u frammentati bejn werrieta differenti. F'dawn l-aħħar snin, żdiedet ukoll l-'opportunity cost' tal-art agrikola, minħabba li hemm domanda kbira għall-art rikreazzjonali u żviluppabbli. In-nixfa u ż-żieda fil-mard qegħdin jawmentaw l-isfidi għall-bidwi, filwaqt li x-xogħol impurtat qiegħed inaqqaslu d-dħul. Il-bdiewa organiċi għadhom ftit, però għandhom influwenza relattivament kbira fuq il-kuxjenza ta' bdiewa oħrajn u fuq riflessa id-dibattiti li jsiru madwar il-biedja f'Malta. Ġenerazzjoni ġdida ta' bdiewa organiċi żgħażagħ qiegħda ftit ftit tibdel il-perċezzjoni tas-settur tagħhom.

L-agroekoloġija dehret l-ewwel f'Malta bl-inizjattivi tal-bdiewa li bdew jesperimentaw bi prattiċi organiċi. Dawn għaqdu l-Malta Organic Agriculture Movement, u fis-snin ta' wara, partikolarment wara li Malta ingħaqdet mal-UE fl-2004, numru ta' NGOs oħrajn, ġeneralment b'għanijiet ambjentalisti, iffukaw iktar fuq il-biedja sostenibbli. Minkejja dan, id-domanda għall-organiku għadha baxxa, u għalkemm il-gvern irreaġixxa għaż-żieda fil-kuxjenza tal-organiku, għadu jrid isir iktar xogħol biex jitwessgħa s-suq. Il-bdiewa jaffaċċjaw problemi ukoll marbutin mal-ippjanar u r-regolazzjoni. Bdiewa organiċi għandhom rabtiet ma' xulxin, fi spazji u f'movimenti differenti, però għadhom m'humiex jitkellmu b'vuċi waħda. Programmi edukattivi iffukati fuq l-agroekoloġija huma ftit, u l-ebda living lab għadha ma twaqqfet f'Malta s'issa. Fl-istess ħin, hemm interess akkademiku f'li ssir iktar riċerka, u jeżisti mill-inqas istitut wieħed li jiffoka fuq ir-rabtiet bejn l-agrikoltura u l-konservazzjoni ambjentali.

Il-maġġoranza tal-inizjattivi inklużi f'dan l-istudju huma ta' natura kummerċjali u primarjament individwali. Dan però jindika ukoll li dawk involuti jemmnu fil-prinċipji tagħhom u huma kommessi għalihom, anka meta wieħed iqis l-opportunitajiet kummerċjali tal-organiku. Flimkien mar-relazzjonijiet li qed jinbnew bil-mod il-mod mal-attivisti, riċerkaturi, u fuq kollox mal-konsumaturi, din toħloq bażi soda fuq xiex ikompli jinbena s-settur. Minkejja dan, però, ħafna mill-parteċipanti saħqu li hemm bżonn iktar għajnuna istituzzjonali, u rikonoxximent tal-isforzi li qed isiru biex jitwasslu dawn il-prinċipji soċjalment u ambjentalment risponsabbli lin-nies.
# 1. METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The information regarding key informants in Malta are summarised in Table 1.

<table><caption>**Table 1:** List of key informants in Malta</caption><thead><tr><td>Key informant nº</td><td>Type of organisation</td><td>Main sector of involvement</td><td>ACTIVITY CATEGORY CONCERNED</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Academic</td><td>Education on integrated agricultural systems</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>NGO</td><td>Mainly horticultural crops</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Foundation</td><td>Represents young farmers and livestock keepers</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>NGO</td><td>Represents organic farmers</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Small/medium enterprise</td><td>Marketing of organic products</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Individual farmer</td><td>Mainly horticultural crops</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Individual farmer</td><td>Mainly horticultural crops</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Research Centre</td><td>Research on agroecology and ecosystem services in agroecosystems</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_1266.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1267.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1268.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1269.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1270.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1271.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1272.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1273.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1274.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1275.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1276.png" /></figure>

# 2. CONTEXT

With an area of 315km², Malta is the smallest country of the European Union. However, with an estimated population of 504,062 inhabitants in 2019¹⁷⁴, it is the country with the highest population density (1,599 inhabitants/km²) in Europe. This is reflected in the very high percentage of urban dwellers: 95% of Maltese live in urban areas. Agricultural land covers 10,380 ha: 9,070 ha of which is arable land and 1,310 ha is permanent crops<fnref n="175" />. However, according to Eurostat, the Utilised Agricultural Area (UAA) in Malta in 2010 was 11,450 ha (higher than the FAOSTAT4¹⁷⁵ estimation for the same year, that was 10,330 ha) and the number of agricultural holdings was 12,530 ha. In 2016, 9,210,176 agricultural holdings were counted, suggesting a sharp decrease in comparison with 2010. In Malta, agricultural land is now widely sold as recreational or developable land, thus greatly increasing its opportunity cost. Agriculture's share in Malta's GDP has been declining in comparison to the relatively high rates of total GDP growth since the 1980s (Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment 2003).

<footnote n="174">¹⁷⁴ https://data.worldbank.org/country/malta?view=chart</footnote>

<footnote n="175">¹⁷⁵ http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data</footnote>

<footnote n="176">¹⁷⁶ Eurostat 2021: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/data/database</footnote>
On average, Maltese farms are very small (0,9 ha) and the per capita UAA is only 0.03 ha/person. It is worth mentioning that the UAA in Malta increased by 6% between 2003 and 2010. The total irrigable area followed a similar trend, increasing from 2,300 ha (in 2003) to 3,150 ha (in 2010), 630 ha of which are potato farms, 430 ha vineyards, 100 ha citrus plantations, and 90 ha olive groves. The number of individuals working in agriculture grew by 3.5%, from 17,870 to 18,500 between 2003 to 2010. Despite a marked decline in investment in the agricultural sector in the 2009-2019 period (with an average annual decrease in investments equal to -7.0%), the agricultural labour force continued to grow in the same period with an increase of 1.6%. It is important to note that women only represent 6% of farmers in Malta. In 2010, only 4.8% of farmers were youths (<35 years old), while 57.5% were above 55 years of age. This makes Malta one of the EU countries with the lowest ratio of young to old farmers: this ratio in 2010 was equal to 0.08, considerably lower than the EU average of 0.14 (Rovný 2016). It should be noted, however, that many women, sons and daughters are 'ghost farmers', invisible to the system but crucial to the family enterprise (MLT-KI-3, Table 1).

An increase was recorded also in the area cultivated with fodder crops that, in 2010, occupied 48% of the Maltese UAA. Despite this, the Livestock Units (LSU) decreased by 12.3% between 2003 and 2010 to reach a value of 42,910 LSU in 2010. Cereals cover roughly one third of the arable land in Malta. During the decade of 2008-2017, the average extension of the area cultivated with cereals was equal to 3,030 ha, the average production was equal to 14,349 t and the average yield was equal to 4.735 t/ha. Malta has the smallest percentage of area fully converted or under conversion to organic farming in the EU, with only 0.5% (55 hectares out of 10,380 hectares of agricultural land) in 2019.
# 3. CURRENT SITUATION OF AGROECOLOGY

## 3.1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

<figure><img src="image_1277.png" /></figure>

In Malta, the University of Malta (UoM) and the Malta Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology (MCAST) are the two research institutions offering training in agriculture, with courses ranging from BSc diplomas to PhDs. The Centre for Environmental Education & Research (an institute within UoM described as an initiative under the education and training activity category) is the only institution (public or private) that provides formal training with a specific focus on agroecology.

The University of Malta, which is overseen by the Maltese government, has a department called the Institute of Earth Systems<fnref n="177" /> which offers training in rural sciences, including environmental management and agriculture. Although there is a single case of an academic working hand-in-hand with the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement (MOAM) to develop pesticides from non-synthetic produce (MLT-KI-4, Table 1), there are no programmes dedicated specifically to organic farming or agroecology, even though students have explored these areas in their dissertations and lecturers have done so in some publications.

The Malta Centre for Applied Sciences and Technology (described as an initiative under the education and training activity category) is a separate institution also run by the government, with a focus on hands-on learning. It offers individual courses geared towards specific industries, such as rabbit-rearing and includes one on organic farming<fnref n="178" />, which are brief and of an introductory nature. On the other hand, their other agricultural courses do range from these introductory courses to PhD programmes. Organic farming is included in the BSc degree on Horticulture but only its regulatory structure and basic principles<fnref n="179" />).

The Centre for Environmental Education & Research offers a Master's in Education for Sustainable Development, which gives a broad perspective on sustainable development issues with an approach that is coherent with the agroecological approach. Informal education is also carried out by the centre, especially in their multipurpose Centre for Research and Practice in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) located in Fawwara, in the Siġġiewi council. The Permaculture Research Foundation of Malta<fnref n="180" /> has organised in the past non-academic, irregular events and courses on aspects related to agroecology, including permaculture for the city, forest gardens, composting, permaculture design, and other related subjects.

## 3.2. LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1278.png" /></figure>

No living labs were identified in Malta in this study. However, some movements, in particular The Veg Box (an initiative described later in this report), could in the future evolve and achieve the status of living labs. The Veg Box<fnref n="181" /> is clearly oriented toward the creation of a network of stakeholders that includes farmers, citizens and other actors, as is the NGO and business Biome Munch. These organisations have the space, desire to experiment with new techniques, and interest to work with others. MLT-KI-5 (Key Informant n°5 KI], Table 1) stated that they are trying to expand their network of farmers and consumers, and operate countrywide.

<footnote n="177">177 https://www.um.edu.mt/ies</footnote>

<footnote n="178">178 https://shortcourses.mcast.edu.mt/course/160</footnote>

<footnote n="179">179 https://www.mcast.edu.mt/courses/ag3-03-21/</footnote>

<footnote n="180">180 https://www.bahrijaoasis.com/permaculture-malta</footnote>

<footnote n="181">181 https://thevegbox.com.mt/</footnote>
## 3.3. MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1279.png" /></figure>

Social movements in Malta are relatively small and usually linked to the initiative of one or a few specific activists. Of all the movements featured in this study, only MOAM has a committee of more than three people. Nevertheless, even small movements play an important role in the promotion of agroecology and related issues.

One common feature found in these movements is the mission to raise awareness on the importance of local and organic food, as well as traditional agricultural practices. Each movement focuses on these goals in different ways. For example, the Malta Organic Agriculture Movement (MOAM) regularly hosts talks to explain the benefits and the opportunities of organic agriculture (MLT-KI-4, Table 1). The Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation (MaYA) has the broader scope of representing the interests of young farmers, including a growing number of such young people who have made the switch to organic practices.

Many of those interviewed had a more personal stake in the sector, often blurring the line between marketing and activism, particularly in the case of the Veg Box and Biome Munch, who are both NGOs and businesses. Both seek to create sustainable communities, as well as advocate for healthier lifestyles and a more ecologically-sensitive society. Similarly, all of the farmers in the study saw themselves as environmental stewards and were in some way or another involved in environmental issues, whether in proactive projects or in opposition to development projects which were impinging on the countryside (MLT-KI-3, Table 1). Almost all of the farmers in the study saw the buyers of their food products as potential partners, rather than as simple "consumers". Nevertheless, it seems that these partnerships remain weak, seeing as many were unwilling or unable to set up more structured forms of collaboration, such as Community Supported Agriculture schemes.

When talking about 'awareness' and consumer perception, almost all farmers (particularly MLT-KI-4 & MLT-KI-6, Table 1) saw high prices, not just the environmental and health benefits, as a crucial part of the discussion and of the process of convincing consumers to appreciate their products more.

## 3.4. PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1280.png" /></figure>

Agroecological practices in Malta are mainly implemented by organic farmers and by non-certified farmers that are able to market their products through direct contact with buyers. Most organic farms in Malta are very small in size, sometimes less than 1 ha.

The farmers interviewed were not familiar with the term "agroecology" but they knew, and to some extent, have adopted some agroecological practices. For example, one farmer practised agriculture rooted in the maintenance of a healthy soil biome - without the use of any pesticides and by maintaining areas of biodiversity around the farm. A recurring theme for all of the farmers interviewed was a concern for increasing pests, which has been affecting the viability of many crops all across Malta. Yet, some farmers were confident that the biodiversity they had built on their farms would re-establish equilibrium within a year or two.
All of the organic farmers interviewed claimed that organic certification fees represent a burden for small farmers that is unjust when one considers the environmental benefits of their practices. This, compounded with a perception of the conversion process as strict, complex, and long, might be serving as a barrier to further experimentation with organic farming, or at least to the official registration of such activities. Some farmers are known to grow organically, but their small scale and part-time nature dissuades them from applying for the certification. Others mentioned that they felt that their current system, based entirely on communication and mutual trust with their consumers, worked well enough already.

Some interviewees (MLT-KI-2, MLT-KI-4 & MLT-KI-6, Table 1) drew a distinction between 'organic from abroad' and 'organic in Malta'. They also extended this distinction to conventional agriculture, which they consider to be more environmentally sensitive in Malta simply by virtue of its size and relatively traditional nature. One interviewee revealed that, they had too much supply and were constantly looking to grow the demand. This however might have reflected the aforementioned issues of high prices or of competition from imported produce, as well as the location of her shop, which is not in a central area.

## 3.5. SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1281.png" /></figure>

The Institute of Applied Sciences at Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the main research institution in Malta on themes related to agroecology. They carry out research on a wide array of issues ranging from ecosystem services to climate change and pollinators ecology. Their main area of investigation is the Maltese archipelago but they have good links with research networks from other EU countries. Malta is believed to provide optimum conditions to conduct research related to agroecology (MLT-KI-8, Table 1) due to its small land size, location, climate and socio-economic profile.

MCAST's research group focusing on agriculture, aquatics and animal sciences, as well as the agricultural research department of the University of Malta seem to not be specifically adopting an agroecological approach in their research.
## 4. AGROECOLOGY INITIATIVES, CASES AND EXAMPLES

<table><caption>**Table 2:** An overview about initiatives, cases and examples described and analysed.</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE N°</th><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE NAME</th><th rowspan="2">SCALE</th><th rowspan="2">TYPE OF STRUCTURE</th><th rowspan="2">AIM</th><th colspan="5">ACTIVITY CATEGORIES</th></tr><tr><th>EDUCATION & RESEARCH</th><th>LIVING LAB</th><th>MOVEMENT</th><th>PRACTICE</th><th>SCIENCE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Centre for Environment Education & Research, University of Malta</td><td>National</td><td>Academic</td><td>Promote environmental education and research in the Euro-Med region by seeking to catalyse change towards a sustainable society.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Biome Munch</td><td>Local</td><td>NGO</td><td>Provide the community with produce grown with ethical and organic practices. Educate the community on growing their own food, living simply, nutrition, and living sustainably.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation</td><td>National</td><td>Foundation</td><td>Build bridges between young farmers, government entities and the general public.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Maltese Movement of Organic Agriculture</td><td>National</td><td>NGO</td><td>Endorse any initiatives on a national scale in-favour the use of natural products to grow crops without any chemical residues.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>The Veg Box</td><td>Local</td><td>Small/ medium enterprise</td><td>Provide healthy local produce to the local consumers.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Institute of Applied Sciences</td><td>National</td><td>Research Centre</td><td>Provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_1282.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1283.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1284.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1285.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1286.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1287.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1288.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1289.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1290.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_1291.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1292.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1293.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1294.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1295.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1296.png" /></figure>

L-Università
ta' Malta

https://www.um.edu.mt/ceerv

INITIATIVE N°1 – UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

# CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION & RESEARCH, UNIVERSITY OF MALTA

The Centre for Environment Education & Research (CEER) is part of the University of Malta and aims to promote environmental education and research in the Euro-Med region by seeking to catalyse change towards a sustainable society. In Malta, CEER coordinates environmental education initiatives, increases the opportunity for environmental education research, organises training and workshops to promote agroecological practices, offers consultancy to governmental and non-governmental institutions related to sustainable development, and actively participates in environmental decision making to promote a good quality of life.

CEER implements many projects and its work is offered to many stakeholders. They offer a two years Master of Science (MSc) in Education for Sustainable Development, as well as workshops and trainings to various stakeholders

such as students, farmers, farmers organisations, local communities, NGOs, and public institutions. Workshops and trainings are held in the Fawwara Centre in the countryside of the island. The Centre also has land that serves as educational gardens inspired by permaculture principles which are used for formal and non-formal educational sessions promoting experiential learning to explore different food production techniques, that protect surrounding ecosystems and enrich long-term soil fertility.

The main topics of such workshops and trainings are related to agricultural practices, horticulture, permanent crops, sustainable food systems and advice for the transition towards agroecological practices and permaculture. They adopt a transdisciplinary approach and agroecological issues are embedded in the broader discourse on environmental education. The training sessions can last from a few days to several weeks. Fawwara Centre also acts as a place of contact, helping to connect people with similar research and interests, facilitating the forging of new networks and serving as a breeding ground for new ideas, initiatives and collaborations.

The research interests of their academic staff range from carbon literacy and the management of resources and waste, to development law and policy. The Centre takes part in several European Funding projects concerning Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and sustainable practices. Food production and consumption are at the centre of CEER research and education initiatives. They aim to promote sustainable relations between people and nature, focusing on the possibility of healthy, clean and safe foods. The Centre is a member of the national network 'Ekoskola' and to international network such as the 'Anna Lindh Foundation'.

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

CEER is a remarkable example of how different disciplines and approaches to the sustainable use of resources are linked, as well as displaying the benefits of adopting a transdisciplinary approach to sustainability.

## KEY FEATURES

* **Type of education and training:** MSc and non-formal education sessions

* **Main topic:** integrated farming systems and socio-economic issues

* **Training duration:** a few days to 2 years (MSc)

* **Type of legal entity:** university

* **Accessible to:** postgraduate student
<figure><img src="image_1297.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1298.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1299.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1300.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1301.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°2 – BIOME MUNCH

<figure><img src="image_1302.png" /></figure>

Biome
Munch

https://biome-munch.com/home

BIOME MUNCH

The aim of the registered NGO, **Biome Munch**, is "to provide the community with produce grown with ethical and organic practices, in a way that is both affordable and accessible to the consumer [...] and educate the community on growing their own food, living simply, nutrition, and living sustainably". They also aim to involve the whole community at different levels, from customers to people that learn and adopt the alternative practices that they promote.

Biome Munch is a recently created, small-scale movement, having started less than two years ago during the COVID-19 lockdown. It is run by two individuals who share tasks related to online communication, community outreach, and farming their land.

KEY FEATURES

* **Main goal:** increase the availability and accessibility of healthy agricultural products and raise awareness about sustainable living

* **Founded in:** 2020

* **Type of organisation:** informal NGO

* **Farming sectors:** diversified

* **Scale of the organisation:** local

The association comes from a pre-existing movement (Get trashed Malta) that was promoting actions to reduce food wastes and increase the consumption of local food. They are currently experimenting with a subscription system akin to a basic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme, where subscribers can receive a weekly "farm to fork box" scheme with fresh vegetables in 7 or 12 kg boxes. The two founders of the organisation, one of which a registered farmer who runs a small-sized enterprise (less than 3ha), started growing produce on their family's land in Burmarrad, which had been lying fallow for some time. They turned their attention wholly to growing food in a way that regenerates the land, and seek to follow the principles of a circular economy, both on the farm and with their clients.

Besides having an ecological business, the two also show commitment towards advocating for sustainable practices. Their aim is not just to promote food products, but an environmentally-conscious agricultural within a community of like minded individuals. Clients have the opportunity to visit their farm and harvest their own produce, thus creating a community of consumers that are educated about food systems. Their agricultural land is surrounded by some of the last remaining natural oak woodlands in Malta, rich ecosystems which they care for with their neighbouring farmers, and which they would like to continue to integrate even more consciously with their farming practices in the coming years. They also aim to try new methods and share their knowledge with other commercial farmers, including farmers that are not currently adopting agroecological practices.

Biome Munch's system integrates arable crops, livestock, horticulture (vegetables, fruits) and permanent crops. The Funding sources of the organisation arrive mainly from the revenues of the farm and from the training activities they organise. In terms of geographical scope and target, Biome Munch is a markedly local entity.
The founders of Biome Munch are not familiar with the term agroecology, but their practices follow its principles closely. The initiative is not part of a formal network although they maintain good relationships with other organisations including The Veg Box (both a commercial and a knowledge- and resource-sharing relationship), MaYA Foundation, and Thrive and other farmers. Their future aims include strengthening their current Community Supported Agriculture scheme.

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

One of the main lessons that can be learned from Biome Munch's experience is that viable agroecological initiatives can be carried out successfully in relatively small farms. One of the main strengths of this initiative is their ability to communicate through social media.

<figure><img src="image_1303.png" /><figcaption>Picture 1: The co-funders of Biome Munch. Source: https://biome-munch.com/why-biome-munch/</figcaption></figure>

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1304.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** The initiative has a good capacity to involve people in activities and raise awareness. They also reach a good number of people through social media.

<figure><img src="image_1305.png" /></figure>

**COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL, FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE:** The initiative relies on this type of commercialisation.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1306.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** Biome Munch is striving to become a strong movement, however it is still in its initial stages and there are several challenges that they will have to face to upscale their capacity to bring an appreciable impact to their community.
<figure><img src="image_1307.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1308.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1309.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1310.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1311.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

MaYA
foundation

MALTA YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE

https://www.maya.org.mt

INITIATIVE N°3 – MaYA FOUNDATION

MALTA YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
(MaYA FOUNDATION)

The MaYA foundation was established in 2013. Instead of providing a formal membership, MaYA has increased their supporters by collaborating in unique ways. The foundation aims to build "bridges between young farmers, government entities and the general public, and giving agriculture a broader scope".

It is particularly focused on young farmers as the next generation in the agriculture sector, but also seeks to involve youths working in other industries, at the policymaking and regulatory level, and activists from other sectors. Experiences of different young farmers, and debates or discussion on current issues in the sector are mainly disseminated through social media. MaYA directly lobbies the government to improve conditions and incentives for young farmers.

The foundation also acts as a reference point for young people in the sector (from farmers to activists) by sharing knowledge with researchers and hosting networking opportunities. Moreover, they aim to bring farmers together and connect them closer to consumers. Currently, the foundation is also promoting a rural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme in which it identifies suitable producers or projects and links them with local companies willing to invest in the scheme, which also ensures the visibility of the companies that support the CSR scheme.

In particular, MaYA seeks to support farmers to improve the marketing of their produce. They strongly believe that organic produce has the potential to add value and increase the security of farmers' livelihoods. However, MaYA is not directly focused on agroecological producers. Instead, MaYA aims to highlight the inherent sustainability of Maltese agriculture, which it distinguishes from forms of intensive agriculture practiced abroad. The organisation aims to bridge the world of conventional farming with environmentalism and agroecological approaches, including organic farming and permaculture, highlighting the commonalities rather than the divergences. Although the term and concept of agroecology is not used by the organisation, MaYA agrees with the principles of agroecology and actively argues in favour of environmentally-conscious and small-scale family farming.

MaYA works with the Maltese Movement of Organic Agriculture (MOAM) and another farmer-advocacy NGO, Għaqda Bdiewa Attivi (Active Farmers Association), as well as with a good number of environmental NGOs, such as Friends of the Earth Malta and Movement Graffiti. The foundation works in different areas of the agricultural sector and acts at the national level.

KEY FEATURES

* **Main goal:** building bridges between young farmers, government entities and the general public

* **Founded in:** 2013

* **Type of organisation:** foundation

* **Farming sectors:** arable crops, livestock, horticulture (vegetables/fruits) and permanent crops (fruit trees)

* **Scale of the organisation:** national
<figure><img src="image_1312.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 2:** The founder of MaYa foundation. Source: https://jeanetteborg.com/2018/04/01/maya-is-4/</figcaption></figure>

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

An interesting characteristic of MaYa's work is "The Rural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)" programme promoted by MaYa in collaboration with the Merill Rural Network. This program aims to foster private investment to support agricultural activities. Another specificity of MaYA is its status - it is a foundation and as such, gathers a wide range of supporters who are not necessarily obtaining direct benefits from the affiliation, as is the case in other organisations.

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1313.png" /></figure>

**SOCIETY AND EQUITY:** MaYa represents young farmers, a category that has many challenges to face, including the small average farm size on the island and the international competition in agro-food products. MaYa is supporting the acknowledgement of young farmers rights and priorities among decision makers.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1314.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** Despite working with youths, MaYA sometimes has to deal with a suspicion of representative institutions that are normally associated with older farmers.
<figure><img src="image_1315.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1316.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1317.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1318.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1319.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°4 – MOAM MALTA

# MALTESE MOVEMENT OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

<figure><img src="image_1320.png" /></figure>

http://moammalta.com

**The Malta Organic Agriculture Movement (MOAM)**

NGO was founded in 1999 with the primary goal "to endorse any initiatives on a national scale in-favour of the use of natural products to grow crops without any chemical residues". It encourages organic farmers to gain the skills required to deal with the ever-changing challenges of agriculture and supports new converts. Its members range from organic farmers to concerned consumers.

MOAM interfaces with government authorities, distributes information regarding natural pesticides and fertilisers to farmers, holds talks about organic practices, advocates for the banning of harmful pesticides, and participates in decisions taken by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

## KEY FEATURES

* **Main goal:** development of organic agriculture

* **Founded in:** 1999

* **Type of organisation:** NGO

* **Farming sectors:** arable crops, permanent crops, vegetables, small livestock

* **Scale of the organisation:** national

The NGO aims to show that organic farming has fewer hidden costs than conventional farming by quantifying these hidden costs and by highlighthening the fairness of farming organically, both for land and farmer. It also demonstrates the effects conventional farming has on insects and other elements of biodiversity, highlighting the negative effects on food production in the long-term and encourages farmers to work with their natural ecosystems, for their own benefit.

MOAM encourages small, mixed farming and agroforestry systems, such as olive groves where chickens roam freely depositing manure as fertiliser and consuming the fruit flies that plague the olive fruit, as well as by growing cover crops around the trees. Most of MOAM's farmers implement basic organic practices such as using compost and manure as fertilisers, companion planting, and to a less extent other practices, such as seed-saving, no-till and mulching. Yet, there is still a tendency to use (organically approved) pesticides, as well as a reduced understanding of the importance of biodiversity and of the practices that increase it. However, the organic farmers interviewed believed that they use less pesticides than their counterparts abroad, and do not grow on an industrial scale in monocultures.

MOAM has also collaborated with the university, for example by publishing a leaflet targeted at organic farmers that contained recipes for pesticides and fertilisers made out of wild plants and weeds. A member of MOAM has also given lectures at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST).

One of MOAM's current projects is being implemented at a school for children with special needs in Wardija, which will have the first certified organic school grounds in Malta. The children are involved in basic tasks such as sowing food crops and indigenous trees.
MOAM's members are involved in different types of agricultural systems, as well as those that integrate arable and permanent crops, vegetables, and small livestock in diversified systems. The NGO acts at the national level and aims to reach a national audience of both farmers and consumers. MOAM is also advocating for more affordable organic products, which they believe will temper the perception of organic food as an exclusive and elite product.

MOAM does not normally use the term agroecology in its advocacy, since it is not a term widely used by Maltese organic farmers.

Key informant 4 (MLT-KI-4, Table 1) stated that MOAM had a good relationship with the organic agriculture board in the directorate of agriculture, but that never the less the organic sector is not well represented in government policies. Organic farmers also suffer from certain bureaucratic limitations that have hindered the sector as a whole.

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The MOAM is grounded on the direct involvement of a few very active members, including some of the movements founders. An interesting characteristic of MOAM is its capacity to bridge the gaps between relevant institutions and small-scale farmers.

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1321.png" /></figure>

**TRADITIONAL FOOD AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION:** The Movement represents the interests of Maltese organic farmers in meetings with government authorities, and provides informative sessions hosted by experienced organic farmers that are open to both farmers and consumers.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1322.png" /></figure>

**SOCIETY AND EQUITY:** MOAM is facing the challenge of a declining number of organic farmers in Malta. A significant limitation, similar to that experienced by MaYA Foundation, relates to farmers' apathy and suspicion with regards to collective representation, a reality that is equally true of organic farmers.

<figure><img src="image_1323.png" /></figure>

**GOVERNANCE:** Traditional (conventional) farmers are still sceptical of agroecological solutions. Rising costs, importation and a flawed market system are pushing farmers out of their land at the expense of ecology and resilience. This is making the dissemination of agroecological principles among conventional farmers, with the aim of converting them to organic, very difficult, and the organisation has often found that its arguments are met with scepticism. Fragmentation is also found between NGOs within the environmental and agricultural sectors.
<figure><img src="image_1324.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

<figure><img src="image_1325.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1326.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1327.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1328.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

THE
VEG
BOX

https://thevegbox.com.mt

INITIATIVE N°5 – THE VEG BOX

THE VEG BOX

The Veg Box is a limited company, started in 2019, although its roots go back as early as 2012 when the current manager took over a small garden and started selling small amounts of surplus produce. It is located in Manikata, in the North-western part of Malta, in a site where other economic activities are carried out, including crafts, woodworking, welding, a farmer run shop, rural tourism and workshops.

The Veg Box produce comes from many local, rural producers, four of whom supply most of its needs, and a few other part-time producers. The products on sale range from fresh vegetables to fresh fruit, honey, and some animal products such as traditional Maltese goat or sheep cheese. Thus far, no contractual links (such as CSAs) are established with consumers. The Veg Box acts at the local level and exclusively supports Maltese farmers with organic certification. The small shop associated with the Veg Box is a social space for exchanges about food from producer to consumer. The farmers and practitioners who are part of the Veg Box community also share ideas and frequently visit each other's farms to observe and learn from one another.

The main aim of the Veg Box is to add value to a farmer's work, in order for them to receive a better price. All prices are created verbally by the farmer and Veg Box, and often prices remain stable throughout the season to ensure that the farmer is fairly remunerated. Even if the Veg Box does not conceive itself as an agroecological organisation, the shop owner identified a few different principles of agroecology that they are following. The main source of revenue for Veg Box is the sale of vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs and other products. They recently received some funding from the EU under the EIT Climate-KIC, a Knowledge and Innovation Community working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient society. The Veg Box collaborates informally with Friends of the Earth Malta and MaYa Foundation.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The Veg Box represent an important actor for the organic sectors and despite its small scale, it plays a key role in linking producers and consumers. Important to be mentioned is that in a context like Malta (characterised by a very high percentage of urban population and very small average farm size) even very small farms can provide reasonable incomes.

KEY FEATURES

* Main goal: producers-consumer's linkage

* Founded in: 2019

* Type of organisation: small/medium enterprise

* Farming sectors: arable crops and livestock

* Scale of the organisation: local

POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1329.png" /></figure>

COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL, FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE: The Veg Box guarantees an added value to its producers by offering a stable commercial outlet for their produce where fair prices are guaranteed for their produce.

LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1330.png" /></figure>

**GOVERNANCE:** The demand for the produce in the shop is lower than the supply it can deliver, a situation which is being addressed by increasing marketing strategies, as well as searching for other avenues to sell their products, such as supermarkets or a new shop.
<figure><img src="image_1331.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1332.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1333.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1334.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1335.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°6 – MCAST

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https://www.mcast.edu.mt/institute-of-applied-sciences-2/

# MALTA COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MCAST). INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) was established in 2001. The Institute of Applied Sciences of MCAST is one of six institutes with a research focus on environmental science, food science, chemical technology, health science, and applied science. MCAST is also considered the country's leading vocational education and training institution.

MCAST collaborated with several organisations at the European level such as the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, but also with national institutions and local NGOs. They receive funding from the European Union, through programs such as H2020 and from various national funds. The core research team consists of around 10 people who work with different stakeholders, such as scientists, farmers, bee-keepers, policy-makers, citizens, and environmental organisations. Their data is collected mainly at the national level but also at the Mediterranean scale.

MCAST's research team works on many fields of applied sciences, and agroecology is one of the topics covered. Their research on agroecology aims at collecting, analysing and assessing data, and to provide information to policy makers. Their main research on the farming sector is focussed on arable crops, horticulture, permanent crops, beekeeping, and agro environmental issues. Some of the specific topics

found are floral resources pollen availability, the competition between honey bees and wild bees, and species distribution; ecosystem services assessment for agricultural areas; improved pest management strategies for orchards and farms using the biocontrol; spatio-temporal modelling of biodiversity and ecosystem services; and nature-based solutions to societal challenges including climate change.

## KEY FEATURES

* **Main topics:** agroecological practices, arable crops, horticulture, beekeeping, agroenvironmental issues

* **Leading organisation:** Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). Institute of Applied Sciences

* **Founded in:** 2001

* **Funded by:** Ministry of Education, European Funds, National Funds

* **Type of actors involved:** scientists, farmers, advisors, farmers cooperatives, chambers of agriculture, farmers organisations, citizens, public authorities

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The Institute of Applied Science produces research which has relevance also beyond Maltian borders. It is a very interesting "laboratory" for research in agriculture and ecosystem functioning.
# 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Agroecology in Malta is a relatively unknown concept and awareness is limited. Despite the contrasting trends concerning the agricultural sector (e.g. increase in the number of labourers, decrease in the number of agricultural holdings, stagnation of investments in the sector, high competition from imported products) most key stakeholders see the sector as promising. Yet, there are some important bottlenecks that need to be removed in order to seize fully the opportunities offered by an agroecological approach. In the first place, the level of awareness of producers and potential buyers of agroecological practices are still insufficient. When it comes to organic agriculture, certification fees and competition from imported organic products represent serious barriers for smallholders, which is continuing to jeopardising the development of organic agriculture in the country. Some legislation gaps hinder the growth of small enterprises in the agricultural sector (and elsewhere). For instance, there is no recognition of a "social enterprise status" with reduced taxes.

Different initiatives and movement related to agroecology can be found, which indicate a sign of dynamism in the sector. Most advocacy is for fairer and healthier food systems. It is interesting to see that movements usually act as aggregators for different type of stakeholders (such as farmers, activist, micro-entrepreneurs, consumers, etc.).

Research institutions, in particular the Institute of Applied Science, conduct valuable research and provide evidence to decision-makers. However, this evidence is rarely, or very slowly, translated into real policy change.

Although academic education opportunities on agroecology exist in Malta, it appears that informal training, especially those addressed to farmers, are lacking despite the interest of farmers.

## ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France. This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use which may be made of the information contained therein. The authors are thankful to Jessica Donham for proofreading this report.

## REFERENCES

- Agroecology Europe, 2020. Agroecology initiatives in European countries.
  Agroecology Europe, Corbais, Belgium 232 pages.

- Balogh, L., Katalin, R., Balazs, B., 2020. Mapping agroecology in Hungary.
  https://www.agroecology-europe.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AE-Mapping-HUN02.09.pdf

- CERAI, 2019. CERAI - Sistemas alimentarios territorializados en España 100 iniciativas locales para una alimentación responsable y sostenible.

- MaYa Foundation website, 2021 https://www.maya.org.mt/ (retrieved Septmber 2021)

- Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment, 2003. Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Maltese Islands https://agrikoltura.gov.mt/en/agricultural_directorate/Documents/nitratesAction ProgrammeRegulations/ntr001.pdf

- Rovný, P., 2016. The analysis of farm population with respect to young farmers in the European Union. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 220, 391-398.
  Wezel, A., Bellon, S., Doré, T., Francis, C., Vallod, D., David, C., 2009. Agroecology as a science, a movement and a practice. Agronomy for Sustainable Development. 2, 27-43. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0394-0_3

- Wezel, A., Goette, J., Lagneaux, E., Passuello, G., Reisman, E., Rodier, C., Turpin, G., 2018. Agroecology in Europe: Research, education, collective action networks, and alternative food systems. Sustainability. 10, 1214. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10041214
MAPPING AGROECOLOGY IN
MONTENEGRO

**AUTHOR:** Luka Lopičić, Agroecology Europe; Jana Marjanović, Agroecology Europe and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) - Doctoral School of Environmental Sciences

**REVIEWERS:** Baptiste Grard and Alexander Wezel, ISARA; Karla Škorjanc, Agroecology Europe; Vasileios Gkisakis, ELGO-DIMITRA, Greece.

**TO CITE:** Lopičić, L., Marjanović, J. (2023). Mapping agroecology in Montenegro. In: Wezel, A., Grard, B. and Gkisakis, V. (eds). Mapping agroecology in Europe. Country Reports Series, Vol. 1, ISARA, Lyon, France; Agroecology Europe, Corbais, Belgium.

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Fondation
de
France

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This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France.
This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European
Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use
which may be made of the information contained therein.

Agroecology
Europe
MONTENEGRO
---
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report aims to provide an overall picture of agroecology in Montenegro and to map different agroecology related initiatives. The situation of agroecology is analysed through the country's specific background. The development of agroecology in Montenegro is reviewed through key activity categories, each of them reflecting specific usage areas and the implementation of agroecology. After an initial overview of the agricultural situation and state of knowledge about agroecology, the report will provide the outcome of interviews conducted with selected key informants, aiming to obtain closer insight into agroecology-related initiatives through practical examples and cases. The most significant initiatives were further analysed through the different activity categories: one in regards to social movements, two on practice and finally, one science related initiative.

Although Montenegro only occupies a tiny area of the European continent, it harbours a large diversity of pedo-climatic and ecological conditions which are home to a variety of cultivated plants and livestock breed. Further, large scale or more intensive agriculture is limited by the fragmentation of arable land into small farms which are predominantly used for private consumption. This land structure opens the possibility for small scale organic farming, which has been able to achieve interesting increases although it still only accounts for about 2% of the total utilised arable land.

The term agroecology is rarely mentioned in Montenegro, where literature covering the concept and approaches is still limited. Consequently, the initiatives and movements containing approaches and principles link to agroecology mainly appear as a part of other practices and movements which are more closely related to organic farming or 'sustainable agriculture'. In addition, education and training on agroecology is still not very developed in Montenegro. Although these practices are increasing in number and in areas applied, they are still not present on a large scale. Even the scientific developments occurring in relation to agroecology are not usually using the term, although most of the focus seems to be on the preservation of traditional products and microbiological food safety. This report highlights in its conclusions the most important trends and future perspectives for development of agroecology in Montenegro.
# MONTENEGRO
## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (IN MONTENEGRIN)

Ovaj izvještaj ima za cilj da pruži pregled cjelokupne situacije agroekologije u Crnoj Gori i da mapira različite inicijative vezane za agroekologiju. Trenutna situacija agroekologije u Crnoj Gori analizira se kroz kontekst zemlje i cijele pozadine razvoja. Stepen razvoja agroekologije u Crnoj Gori sagledan je kroz pregled ključnih oblasti, od kojih svaki odražava specifičnu upotrebu i implementaciju agroekologije. U prvom dijelu rada nalazi se pregled situacije razvoja poljoprivrede i znanja o agroekologiji, dok se u drugom dijelu izvještaja nalaze rezultati intervjua obavljenih sa odabranim ključnim informatorima, sa ciljem da se kroz praktične primjere stekne bolji uvid u inicijative vezane za agroekologiju. Dalje su analizirane, odnosno opisane najznačajnije inicijative za različite oblasti: dvije inicijative iz oblasti sa praksom, jedna inicijativa iz oblasti pokreta i jedna inicijativa iz oblasti nauke.

Crna Gora, iako zauzima malu teritoriju evropskog kontinenta, ima veliku raznolikost pedoklimatskih i ekoloških uslova koji pružaju stanište različitim uzgajanim vrstama biljaka i životinja. Poljoprivreda velikih razmjera, odnosno intenzivna poljoprivreda ograničena je fragmentacijom obradivog zemljišta u malim farmama koje pretežno uzgajaju i koriste proizvode za privatnu potrošnju. Sa druge strane, ova struktura zemljišta otvara mogućnost za organsku poljoprivredu malih razmjera, koja bilježi rastući trend, ali i dalje iznosi samo oko 2% ukupnog obradivog zemljišta.

Kada je u pitanju termin "agroekologija", ono se još uvijek rijetko spominje u Crnoj Gori i postoji ograničena literatura koja pokriva koncept i pristupe. Shodno tome, inicijative i pokreti koji sadrže agroekološke pristupe i principe uglavnom se pojavljuju kao dio prakse i pokreta koja su više povezani sa organskom poljoprivredom na lokalnom nivou ili takozvanom "održivom poljoprivredom". Agroekološko obrazovanje, edukacija i treninzi u Crnoj Gori još uvijek nijesu razvijeni na zadovoljavajućem nivou. Agroekološke prakse u Crnoj Gori, iako se broj inicijativa povećava, još uvijek nijesu prisutne u velikom obimu. Naučni razvoj vezan za agroekologiju još uvijek ne prepoznaje ovaj termin. Međutim, oni koji se mogu pomenuti odnose se na istraživanja očuvanja tradicionalnih proizvoda i ispitivanje mikrobiološke bezbjednosti hrane. U dijelu zaključka, ovaj izvještaj ističe najvažnije trendove i buduće perspektive razvoja agroekologije u Crnoj Gori.
# 1. METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The information regarding key informants in Montenegro are summarised in Table 1.

<table><caption>**Table 1:** List of key informants in Montenegro.</caption><thead><tr><th>Key informant nº</th><th>Type of organisation</th><th>Main sector of involvement</th><th>ACTIVITY CATEGORY CONCERNED</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Private sector, farmer</td><td>Livestock management, organic production, mixed faming systems</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>NGO</td><td>Permaculture</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Private sector, farmer</td><td>Livestock management, organic production</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Research – University</td><td>Food sovereignty</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Farmer – farmers organisation</td><td>Livestock</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Private sector, farmer</td><td>Organic production, crop selection</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

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# 2. CONTEXT

Montenegro is a country characterised by a large diversity of pedo-climatic and ecological conditions. Within its borders, it harbours an ample variety of cultivated plant species and livestock breeds. The most important genetic resources for food and agriculture are mostly preserved (Marijana et al., 2013). An important moment in the history of Montenegro was when it adopted the Declaration on the Ecological State in 1991, which made Montenegro the first ecological state in the world<fnref n="182" />. This proclamation is vital because it led to the adoption of various laws that preserve nature and its resources, leading to a more sustainable society.

Every region of Montenegro encompasses its own distinct types of agricultural land uses. In the northern region, most of the population is engaged in agriculture, primarily raising cattle almost year-round within pasture. Historically, many developments came out of the northern regions, including special irrigation techniques, tillage systems, natural fertilisers, and special crop management. Crop management was often linked to plant selection and the adaptation of particular species of fruit or vegetables to their local conditions. In the central and southern regions, on the other hand, agriculture is less represented due to the less favourable climatic conditions, making it more densely populated, with a majority of the population living in cities. Consequently, these regions focus on urban gardening, permaculture and the production of small-scale organic food. Nevertheless, agroforestry is practiced in all of Montenegro, especially in the northern part.

<footnote n="182">¹⁸² http://www.me/index.php/en/geography/nature/item/249-nature</footnote>
Although some principles of agroecology can be found within Montenegro, the term agroecology is not common within the region and is never mentioned within literature or agricultural internet sources. The term has appeared only recently, and not much is being done to promote this term or its practice. The main agroecological practices being implemented under organic farming, permaculture and sustainable agriculture are crop rotations, fertilisers from animal origins or compost, regionally adapted crops, local animal breeds, combined planting, reduced tillage, and mixed farming systems (Seremesic et al., 2021).

Montenegro has a similar agricultural history to the other states of former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Seremesic et al., 2021). After the Second World War, a collectivisation model started to dominate agriculture and small-scale, unmechanised family farms had to make place for larger scale mechanised farms with the assumption that this would create more efficient food production. From the 1950s, land reforms gradually allowed voluntary co-operation between private farmers and the socialist sector (Hoffman 1961 cited in Seremesic et al. 2021) which continued, with minor changes, until the 1990s. After Yugoslavia was dissolved, the private sector increasingly gained dominance in agricultural production systems, and family farming or smaller, private agricultural farm operations returned.

Agroecology in Montenegro is primarily found within organic agriculture, which has been increasingly developing in the last ten years and represents 1.9 % of the total agricultural land use (Seremesic et al., 2021). Currently, Montenegro provides free organic certification that encourages the development of organic production, but the results are yet to show success thus far (Seremesic et al., 2021). A list of registered organic producers, as well as those in the process of certification, can be found on the "Monteogranica" website<fnref n="183" />.

The majority of farmland producing certified organic products is found in the northern region of the country due to its natural predispositions to high biodiversity, although recently organic management has been found increasingly in the central and southern regions as well, which primarily cultivate mediterranean crops like olives or grapes. Farmers that cultivate organic crops usually also have a part of land devoted to conventional agriculture which allows them to diversify risk since organic products are costlier to produce and in lower demand on the domestic market³.

Although the climatic, ecological and soil conditions for the cultivation of continental and mediterranean fruit species in Montenegro are highly favorable, these assets are not sufficiently used (MNE-KI-5, Table 1). This is due to the inability of farmer to sufficiently finance high cost investments on their own, as well as the risk of caring for young fruit trees without the possibility of return or earnings for two to six years, depending on the species (MNE-KI-2 & MNE-KI-5, Table 1).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regularly supports and announces funds related to organic agriculture which in this regard, also indirectly supports the development of agroecology in Montenegro. In addition to this national budget, instrumental support is also provided by the EU Pre-accession Support for Rural Development (IPARD), World Bank Credit (MIDAS), and IFAD funds (Seremesic et al., 2021). These funds support organic food production and agroforestry, as well as additionally financing the purchase of technology that will improve soil management through better tillage systems. Further, a large number of policies such as the Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy 2014-2020 aim to establish different measures related to environmental protection, support for organic agriculture, conservation of indigenous genetic resources in agriculture, sustainable use of mountain pastures, support for manure management and agroforestry.

<footnote n="183">¹⁸³ https://orgcg.org/pregled-proizvodjaca-organske-poljoprivrede</footnote>
# 3. CURRENT SITUATION OF AGROECOLOGY

## 3.1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

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After establishing independence, Montenegro transformed their education system and established the Biotechnical Faculty at the University of Montenegro in 2008 and in 2012 the Faculty for Food Technology, Food Safety and Ecology at the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) (Seremesic et al., 2021). These curricu-lums offer many courses related to organic farming, sustainable agriculture, as well as practices of agroecology. Nevertheless, education and training of agroecology in Montenegro is not currently very developed. Thus far, agroecology related education and training in Montenegro is organised primarily by non-governmental organisations such as SELJAK.ME and Paradigma who maintain education and training as a secondary goal in their mission statements. The nu-mber of agroecology initiatives, which could be used to develop training, seems to limit their development. Further, various organisations provide education and training for farmers, mostly free of charge. For example, the Seljak.me initiative, which organises educational trainings for farmers related primarily to agroforestry and organic farming, but also on the type of tillage systems best suited to different types of soil. Similarly, Paradigma provides most education and training on permaculture and on the principles of organic production, as well as on home gardening, urban gardening, and agroforestry.

## 3.2. LIVING LAB

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Currently, there are no initiatives in Montenegro that are identified as living labs. To the author's knowledge, there is currently no clear entity that is being used as an incubator for the development and networking of knowledge, technology, and science for either the private or public sector who would work together towards a common goal. However, certain initiatives such as "FoodHub - Centre of Excellence" at the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) have the potential to become such living labs by connecting farmers, public, and private actors to provide resources to develop agroe-cology in Montenegro through innovative solutions and agroecology related research.

## 3.3. MOVEMENT

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Considering the small size of Montenegro, there are a respectable number of NGOs and movements operating in the field of rural development that could relate to agroecology, although they may not explicitly refer to this concept. These entities are primarily actively involved in environmental protection, the promotion of cultural and historical heritage, education and solving various social problems (Seremesic et al., 2021). For instance, Paradigma NGO focuses on permaculture and urban gardens by offering many educational programmes related to agriculture and ecology. Another example is the NGO "Sjeverna Zemlja" (Northern Country) which is leading a regional scale movement in the northern part of Montenegro. Their main goals are the improvement and development of ecology and environmental protection, as well as training in agriculture, organic food production, and rural development. They are also work on promoting and developing education, culture, and tourism. Lastly, "Udružena seoska domaćinstva Crne Gore" (United rural households of Montenegro) aims to promote rural development and environmentalism, connecting Montenegrin farmers towards a common goal - the development of agriculture in Montenegro.
An increasing number of movements, founded mainly by young people, are aiming to transform the agricultural system by using resources sustainably as well creating easier and more frequent avenues to access funding and institutional support. While competitions for young farmers to access these funds are available with various NGOs, few projects are supported or adopted (MNE-KI-2, Table 1).

## 3.4. PRACTICE

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Agroecological practices in Montenegro, although increasing in number and areas applied, are still not present on the large scale, neither in an organised nor coordinated way. Most agroecological practices in fact, appear as isolated initiatives developed by young or highly educated individuals with degrees in agriculture or ecology. These individuals are the forerunners in implementing sustainable and organic models in agriculture and act as ambassadors for the promotion of such practices among other, less informed farmers and consumers (MNE-KI-1 & MNE-KI-3, Table 1).

As mentioned above, the approaches of agroecology found in Montenegro are those relating to crop rotation, fertilisers of animal origin, compost, locally adapted crops and animal breeds, combined planting, reduced tillage, mixed farming systems (Seremesic et al., 2021), and recycling of nutrients and biomass. For instance, one initiatives called ‘Farma Magaraca Martinići’ uses fertilisers of animal origin and develops mixed farming systems with the integration of crops and livestock on farms. The initiative "Seljak.me" also promotes mixed farming systems where local farmers apply integrated farming methods and sell their products on an online platform. The use of organic fertilisation is widespread due to the country’s traditional legacy in agriculture. Moreover, farms are increasingly practicing composting and implementing more efficient waste management systems.

Sustainable agriculture in Montenegro is directly contributing to the increasing biodiversity on agricultural land with food production in Montenegro still dominated by small-scale production. Thus, sustainable production relies on regional and national genetic resources, and cereal production, for example, is strongly based on the use of these resources (Seremesic et al., 2021).

## 3.5. SCIENCE

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The scientific community in Montenegro is not using the term agroecology in its current studies and developments. Scientists, at the time of writing, seem to be focusing on topics such as the preservation of traditional products, microbiological food safety, food sovereignty, and by connecting scientific institutions and farmers.

The "FoodHub-Centre of Excellence" at the University of Donja Gorica is the most prominent example for this topic, with a mission to create innovations in the food sector through research, knowledge transfer, the development and improvement of autochthonous and traditional food and agricultural products, and resource use. This centre uses laboratories and technologies that focus on research in food microbiology and safety in every step of the food production process, from seeds to consumer's food.
## 4. AGROECOLOGY INITIATIVES, CASES AND EXAMPLES

<table><caption>**Table 2:** An overview about initiatives, cases and examples described and analysed.</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE N°</th><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE NAME</th><th rowspan="2">SCALE</th><th rowspan="2">TYPE OF STRUCTURE</th><th rowspan="2">AIM</th><th colspan="5">ACTIVITY CATEGORIES</th></tr><tr><th>EDUCATION & RESEARCH</th><th>LIVING LAB</th><th>MOVEMENT</th><th>PRACTICE</th><th>SCIENCE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Paradigma</td><td>National</td><td>NGO</td><td>Promoting permaculture and organic food supply.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Seljak.me</td><td>National</td><td>Farm network - farmers organisation</td><td>For farmers to cooperate at the national level. Education and support for farmers.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Farma Magaraca - Martinići</td><td>National</td><td>Farm</td><td>Increase organic production. Promote rural tourism and save endangered animals.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>FoodHub - Centre of excellence</td><td>National</td><td>Science and research infrastructure</td><td>Research and promotion of food sovereignty, as well as the valorisation of traditional products.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Lab</td></tr></tbody></table>

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<figure><img src="image_1360.png" /><figcaption>**Table 3:** Additional initiatives, cases and examples in the country - not included in this report.</figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th rowspan="2">INITIATIVE NAME</th><th rowspan="2">SCALE</th><th rowspan="2">TYPE OF STRUCTURE</th><th rowspan="2">AIM</th><th colspan="5">ACTIVITY CATEGORIES</th></tr><tr><th>EDUCATION & RESEARCH</th><th>LIVING LAB</th><th>MOVEMENT</th><th>PRACTICE</th><th>SCIENCE</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>United rural households of Montenegro</td><td>National</td><td>NGO</td><td>Gathering and organising agritourism.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td>House</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Regional Development Agency</td><td>Regional</td><td>Local business</td><td>Developing cooperation among stakeholders and facilitating EU funding and networking.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>North Land</td><td>Regional</td><td>NGO</td><td>Nature protection and environmental improvement. Support of agricultural and sustainable development in Montenegro.</td><td></td><td></td><td>People</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

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MOVEMENT

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EDUCATION

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PRACTICE

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LIVING LAB

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SCIENCE

INITIATIVE N°1 – PARADIGMA

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PARADIGMA
NGO

https://paradigmango.me
Facebook/Instagram: @paradigmango

# PARADIGMA
INITIATIVE “NOVA MOBA”

The NGO "Paradigma" started its operation in 2018 in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Initially, the organisation was oriented to developing rural tourism via "Meanderbug", a platform for such development in Montenegro. As time passed, their mission grew to support local communities and the small-scale production of food. Today, they focus on production of organic food and ecological, environmental protection and agricultural education. They provide training on how to plant seedlings, compost, irrigate, and on other related topics. Workshops are held for citizens, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. In addition to the employed members of the organisation, young people and other citizens regularly volunteer in the greenhouses that create their food products. This initiative supports the principles of agroecology link to soil health, biodiversity and recycling by using renewable resources and cycles of nutrients and biomass.

## KEY FEATURES

* **Main goal:** promotion of permaculture and urban gardening

* **Founded in:** 2018

* **Type of organisation:** formal NGO

* **Scale of the organisation:** national

Since 2018, they have implemented a number of projects that support rural tourism (an important industry for the county) via the promotion of Montenegrin tradition, small-scale agriculture, environmental protection, and the production of organic food.

The COVID crisis has huge impacts on agricultural producers and those engaged in rural tourism, therefore the NGO has provided seedlings and seeds for farmers to keep them engaged in agriculture. They also donate part of their products to humanitarian organisations, such as local soup kitchens.

Since 2020 the 'Nova moba' initiative was launched to support small-scale organic food production. Moba is a term that is very popular in Montenegrin tradition and which has been used throughout history in rural areas to describe neighbours helping each other with farm work, without expecting anything in return. The initiative combines three distinct parts: humanitarian support, "instant garden", and the development of a mobile application that aims to provide a connection between gardeners and other members of their community looking for donated goods. Their approach consists on recycling large bins that were previously used for other purposes, in people's houses and in urban gardens. These so-called 'green towers' are filled with soil and selfmade compost that can be used to cultivate vegetables and fruits (an idea originally from the USA). The NGO donates these compost bins primarily to vulnerable low-income families and single parents, as well as children and individuals with disabilities. 'Nova Moba' also donates greenhouses all around the country to help establish new urban gardens. All funds for the development of the project are supported by the US Embassy in Montenegro.
<figure><img src="image_1373.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 1:** Example of Green Towers.
Source: Private gallery of an interviewee.</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1374.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1375.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 2:** Members of the initiative Nova Moba.
Source: Private gallery of an interviewee.</figcaption></figure>

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

The elements link to agroecology in this initiative are primarily the production of organic food and compost. An important aspect of Paradigma NGO is their aim to be contribute to both practice and education. The initiative is highly recognised in Montenegro by the general public both for their widespread reach and because the greenhouses built in various cities throughout Montenegro provide food for the residents of the most vulnerable groups, and thus address the serious issues of hunger and malnutrition.

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1376.png" /></figure>

### NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT:

The initiative supports the small-scale production of organic food all over the country. Various fruits, vegetables and other plants are planted in different urban gardens in the capital city, which contribute to biodiversity and resource management. They also produces high quality compost.

<figure><img src="image_1377.png" /></figure>

**ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:** Reduction and recycling of food waste.

<figure><img src="image_1378.png" /></figure>

**SOCIETY AND EQUITY:** The primary users of 'green towers' are vulnerable groups of citizens with limited access to food.

<figure><img src="image_1379.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** 'Paradigma' offers a wide range of education, both for young people in primary and secondary schools, and all citizens who are interested in learning more about agriculture, planting, and composting. They also raise awareness on environmental protection and agriculture, as well as agroecology.

<figure><img src="image_1380.png" /></figure>

**TRADITIONAL FOOD AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION:** The initiative 'Paradigma' has the goal to engage people in organic production within green houses and to transmit traditional Montenegrin values to future generations.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1381.png" /></figure>

**COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL, FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE:** The organisation is currently financially reliant on the US Embassy in Montenegro. The NGO must find other funding sources to carry out different actions and make the NGO economically viable.
<figure><img src="image_1382.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1383.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1384.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1385.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1386.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°2 – SELJAK.ME

SELJAK.ME

Seljak.me is an agricultural corporation founded in Podgorica operating as an online platform that aims to promote local products and improve agriculture in Montenegro. The principles of agroecology found in this initiative are the promotion and support of local small-scale production, the support they lend local farms and to the successful cooperation between different regions of Montenegro, and to the co-creation of knowledge.

There are three major parts of the platform:

i) selling the products of farmers and supporting local and small-scale production,

ii) connecting farmers, and

iii) education.

The platform offers not only food (produce and animal products) but also services (for example tillage services) for farmers such as animal feed, biofertiliser, and mechanisation tools needed in agriculture and various consultant services.

The online tool also harbours a solid and wide database of farmers in Montenegro, enabling farmers to cooperate with one another. It is important to mention that advertising products from rural households on the platform is free.

In regards to education, Seljak.me organises various seminars for farmers on how to run their business, organic fertilisation, crop choices and improved tillage.

This initiative currently has three full-time employees and eight to ten people part-time associates. The organisation receives funds to support their projects from the Ministry of Agriculture of Montenegro and from other international donors.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

This is a unique platform fulfilling a need in Montenegro: it allows farmers to connect with one another and sell their products online. The products sold through the organisation are from local rural households and are high quality, some of which are even certified organic, which provides added value.

<figure><img src="image_1387.png" /></figure>

seljak.me

https://seljak.me
Facebook/Instagram: @seljak.me

KEY FEATURES

* **Agroecological practices concerned:** organic production, reduction of tillage, digital technology for sustainability

* **Founded in:** 2017

* **Farming sector concerned:** livestock

* **Lead organisation:** Seljak.me

* **Scale of the organisation:** national
<figure><img src="image_1388.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 3:** Founder of the initiative Seljak.me - Marko Maraš. Source: https://serbiantimes.info/prvi-digitalni-seljak-u-crnoj-gori-gradski-momak-postao-je-seljak-me</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1389.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1390.png" /></figure>

SMART START

<figure><img src="image_1391.png" /></figure>

seljakme

PRVO CRNOGORSKO
DIGITALNO SELO

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1392.png" /></figure>

**COOPERATION:** This initiative connects agricultural producers in Montenegro which creates an exchange of knowledge and experience. They also provide an exchange of products.

<figure><img src="image_1393.png" /></figure>

**TRADITIONAL FOOD AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION:** Successful promotion of local products via short market chains.

<figure><img src="image_1394.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** Ongoing seminars that advise agricultural producers on organic farming and organic fertilisation. They also provide consulting services.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1395.png" /></figure>

**SUSTAINABLE AND FAIR ECONOMICS:** The initiative's intention is to promote agriculture in Montenegro yet all of the funding that sustains this initiative is from personal income and investment. Other funds are needed for further expansion and actions.

<figure><img src="image_1396.png" /></figure>

**COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL, FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE:** The products that are promoted on this website are not in high demand and only a low number of consumers buy them. Further, the products are from small-scale production which is often more costly to product and thus sold at higher prices.
<figure><img src="image_1397.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1398.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1399.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1400.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1401.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°3 – FARMA MAGARACA - MARTINICI

<figure><img src="image_1402.png" /></figure>

Facebook: @farmamagaracacg

# FARMA MAGARACA - MARTINICI

Farma Magaraca Martinici is a mixed crop-livestock farm founded in 2015 with a special focus on donkeys. It is situated in the Danilovgrad municipality, about 17 km north-east from the capital of Podgorica.

The principal goal of the farm since its foundation is to care for and protecti donkeys from extinction in Montenegro. Moreover, different crops (such as grapes and other fruits) are cultivated and grasslands is managed for livestock feed. The majority of income from the farm comes from selling donkey milk to a local market and from rural tourism. The farm is also involved in various social and educational activities, as well as the promotion of Montenegro as a tourist destination.

Currently, the Martinici farm is the only one of its kind in the country. They provide shelter for 40 donkeys, which are traditional animals in Montenegro, who have been formerly abandoned and later bought again. On their farm, they are able to walk freely and without heavy loads.

## KEY FEATURES

* **Agroecological practices concerned:** use of fertilisers of animal origin, recycling of nutrients and biomass

* **Founded in:** 2015

* **Farming sectors concerned:** livestock management, agroforestry, mixed farming systems

* **Leading organisation:** Farma Magaraca - Martinici

* **Scale of the initiative:** national

The Martinici farm is built around the concept of self-sufficiency, where the landowner and family members practice environmentally-friendly activities in its maintenance and production cycles. The donkeys are fed with grass or hay gathered from their own farm and surrounding farms in the Martinici region. Furthermore, tours tickets are paid for through food, for example 1 kg of carrots or apples, which are used for donkey feed. Donkey droppings are also composted and used for the fertilisation of grapes on the farm that later are turned into organic wine and rakija (local spirit). Almost all materials used for any constructions on the farm come from repurposed materials and maintenance materials are later recycled.

The main principles of agroecology implemented on the farm are the recycling of nutrients and biomass, and the use of fertilisers of animal origin to develop mixed farming livestock systems. This also includes agroforestry systems with various fruit trees.

The farm also possesses accommodation capacities and is successfully engaged in rural tourism. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Danilovgrad municipality, and in the whole of Montenegro. The tourists are often involved in shared labour practices such as feeding and milking the donkeys, and crop cultivation on the property.

Apart from agricultural production, the farm conducts educational campaigns and workshops that are organised on a weekly basis, mainly at the farm itself. During the work week, tours are organised for kindergarteners to visit the farm to learn about life in the countryside and environmental protection. Further, the farm is helping to build environmental awareness by investing 5% of the profits from the milk they sell to reforestat various areas in Montenegro. The farm is very active on social media networks, with all events and campaigns supported by more than 20,000 followers on Facebook.
<figure><img src="image_1403.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1404.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 4:** Founder of the initiative Farma Magaraca Martinići - Darko Saveljić.</figcaption></figure>

Source: https://www.facebook.com/farmamagaracacg

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

This initiative proves that with strong commitment and active education campaigns it is possible to create innovative businesses based on principles of agroecology, even in areas with low consciousness on the topic. What started as a donkey shelter, grew in just 5 years into a commercially successful farm which is visited and recognised even outside of Montenegro. Farm Martinici has managed to save donkeys from extinction, while at the same time creating a strong brand based on these animals. They are able to reach out to a big base of fans and visitors that are being actively educated on ecological and environmentally-friendly practices.

## POSITIVE IMPACTS

<figure><img src="image_1405.png" /></figure>

**ENERGY AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:** The farm is engaged in organic waste management by composting and re-utilising animal's dropping for the fertilisation of crops. It also reduces construction and maintenance waste by recycling and re-utilising materials. They have an on-going project that installs solar panels on farm in order for the to take advantage of their own renewable energy.

<figure><img src="image_1406.png" /></figure>

**TRADITIONAL FOOD AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION:** The farm manages to protect donkeys from extinction which are important traditional Montenegrin animals. They also help to raise awareness of their importance in the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

<figure><img src="image_1407.png" /></figure>

**EDUCATION:** The farm raises awareness and shares knowledge on sustainable agriculture in Montenegro through various educational campaigns, workshops, events and promotions.

## LIMITATIONS & CHALLENGES

<figure><img src="image_1408.png" /></figure>

**COMMERCIALISATION IS LOCAL, FAIR AND/OR COLLECTIVE:** Commercialisation is local, fair and/or collective: This farm is continuously working on local commercialisation however, there is a low level of conscience on organic products in the country and lack of trust among consumers for this type of production. Donkey milk, due to the slow production process, is priced highly and many consumers find it too expensive.
<figure><img src="image_1409.png" /></figure>

SCIENCE

<figure><img src="image_1410.png" /></figure>

EDUCATION

<figure><img src="image_1411.png" /></figure>

LIVING LAB

<figure><img src="image_1412.png" /></figure>

PRACTICE

<figure><img src="image_1413.png" /></figure>

MOVEMENT

INITIATIVE N°4 – FOODHUB – CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

<figure><img src="image_1414.png" /></figure>

FoodHub

Centre of Excellence

University of Donja Gorica

https://foodhub.udg.edu.me

Facebook: @foodhub.me

Instagram: @foodhub.me

# FOODHUB – CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The FoodHub - Centre of Excellence was founded in 2020 at the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) in Podgorica, Montenegro. This initiative uses the premises of UDG and is part of the University. This research centre is made up of 12 partners from Montenegro and abroad (i.e. Serbia, Germany, and China), including scientific institutions, laboratories, and Montenegrian governmental offices. The initial funds for developing the Centre were obtained from the Montenegrian Ministry of Science, while further resources were obtained from EU funds, mostly Horizon 2020 projects. Besides this, there are bilateral projects with other countries such as Germany.

This organisation deals with the entire food production chain. One of their main objectives is to develop a system of scientifically based risk assessments on food consumption for the population of Montenegro. To achieve this, the FoodHub is developing a software that will enable combining data from Montenegro with data that currently exists at the EU level and globally. Based on this, recommendations are made for the activities of the Food Safety Authority, in order for them to better manage risks in production chains, mainly targeting microbial contamination in food.

## KEY FEATURES

* **Main goal:** food sovereignty, food safety, and traceability of food products

* **Founded in:** 2020

* **Main topics:** food safety risk assessment area

* **Leading organisation:** University of Donja Gorica (UDG)

* **Type of actors involved:** scientific institutions around the world

* **Funded by:** Ministry of Science in Montenegro

Another objective of the FoodHub is the development of biosensors that will help producers and all other participants in the food production chain to quickly and efficiently identify in real time the occurrence of certain pathogens and risks in the food production chain. The Centre is also working on the affirmation and valorisation of traditional food products in Montenegro by promoting traceability, and applying block-chain technologies. They have done this by developing an application that connects farmers with consumers by providing them information on what techniques and technologies were used in the production of the product and the nutritional characteristics of the product itself. The implementation of digital technologies is one of the most important activities in this initiative. This project joined a team led by the BioSens Institute from Novi Sad (Serbia).

The FoodHub contributes to the development and promotion of agroecology in Montenegro by connecting the Center for Climate Change, Natural Resources and Energy in Montenegro.

The FoodHub engages in transdisciplinary research and employs scientists from the fields of agriculture, ecology, microbiology, food technology, economics, finance and business.

EDUCATION

SCIENCE
<figure><img src="image_1415.png" /><figcaption>**Picture 5:** Researchers at FoodHub, Centre of Excellence.</figcaption></figure>

Source: Private gallery of an interviewee.

## WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

A consortium of 12 institutions led by University of Donja Gorica (UDG) formed the Centre of Excellence to create microbial food safety risk assessment and quality parameters for accurate food authenticity certification (FoodHub). They hope this will build up the necessary capacities to boost the development of Food Safety Risk Assessment. Moreover, the Centre is working on the affirmation and valorisation of traditional food products in Montenegro by promoting traceability through the development of an application that connects farmers with consumers by providing information on the production and nutritional characteristics of the products.
# 5. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Agroecology seems to still be at the infancy stage in Montenegro, with the existing initiatives representing only partially the elements and approaches of agroecology. Due to the favorable bio-physical conditions (such as agricultural lands not experiencing negative impacts from air, water, and soil pollution), Montenegro, especially the northern part, appears to have a good basis to develop agroecology and organic food production much further. However, there is a low level of awareness and knowledge about agroecology thus far, in particular when it comes to the knowledge and education of consumers about organic food and its production.

Given the small size of the country and the land fragmentation found within it (small parcels with many different owners), larger scale production seems difficult to achieve. Currently, this small-scale production reality provides a very small agricultural output for the country.

Montenegrin products are currently not very competitive against imported products from other countries within the EU because of the high costs of production for domestic products and the favouring by different stakeholders of imported products, often from large scale production. However, domestic products could become rather competitive if they were shown to be higher in quality. The development of eco-tourism and rural tourism provide alternative channels and financial motivation to the farmers for the cultivation of high-quality products, including local and organic ones. These may be opportunities for institutions to reach external markets which have a stable demand for organic products. Institutions could even raise awareness and knowledge about agroecology, organic and environmentally friendly agricultural production, and orient future funding in this direction in order to support farmers, projects, research and education. Although Montenegro has great potential and resources for the development of agroecology, more funds and support for developing organic production will be needed, as well as more universities providing agroecology courses. Montenegro's membership in the European Union could also help in this regard (Seremesic et al., 2021). The government could even tailor agrarian policies to the real needs of farmers, in particular the small-scale producers that are supporting the tradition and local specificity of Montenegrin agroecosystems and Montenegro's status as an 'ecological country'.

Currently, there are state programmes in Montenegro which provide funds and investment to producers in order to support them in establishing higher productive orchards that could benefit from modern agricultural techniques which could make them more profitable (Seremesic et al., 2021). Regular, stable, and high-quality yields will, in the long run, increase the volume and range of products, which will achieve a favorable export structure and a higher level of competitiveness<fnref n="184" />.

<footnote n="184">¹⁸⁴ https://www.gov.me/dokumenta/b0c64d6f-3b24-4e7c-a65a-7556ccead1fc</footnote>
## ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful for the information provided by key informants, initiatives, NGOs, farmers, researchers, and many other local individuals that shared their experiences with us and helped us understand what the key points are to develop agroecology in Montenegro.

Many thanks to all of our friends and family members who supported us during the writing of this report and while working on the project. Many thanks to the coordinators of the mapping work for their support, consultations, and review of this report. The authors are thankful to Jessica Donham for proofreading this report. This report received funding from the European Union and the Fondation de France. This publication reflects the views and opinions of the author(s) only. Neither the European Union, CINEA, nor the Fondation de France, can be held responsible for them or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

## REFERENCES

Agroecology Europe, 2020. Agroecology initiatives in Europe. 232 pages.

Balogh, L., Katalin, R., Balazs, B., 2020. Mapping agroecology in Hungary.

CERAI, 2019. CERAI - Sistemas alimentarios territorializados en España 100 iniciativas locales para una alimentación responsable y sostenible.

Marijana, P.P., Krivokapić, Bušković, V., Hodžić, D., 2013. Pregled stanja poljoprivrede i sa njom povezanim aktivnostima na zagađenje Skadarskog jezera (Izvještaj za Crnu Goru).

Seremesic, S., Jovović, Z., Jug, D., Djikic, M., Dolijanović, Ž., Bavec, F., Jorda-novska, S., Bavec, M., Đurđević, B., Jug, I., 2021. Agroecology in the West Balkans: pathway of development and future perspectives. Agroecol. Sustain. Food Syst. 00, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2021.1913464

Wezel, A., Bellon, S., Doré, T., Francis, C., Vallod, D., David, C., 2009. Agroecology as a science, a movement and a practice. Sustain. Agric. 2, 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0394-0_3

Wezel, A., Goris, M., Bruil, J., Félix, G.F., Peeters, A., Bárberi, P., Bellon, S., Mi-gliorini, P., 2018. Challenges and action points to amplify agroecology in Europe. Sustain. 10, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051598
MAPPING AGROECOLOGY IN
NORTH MACEDONIA

**AUTHOR:** Anastazija Dimitrova, Agroecology Europe

**REVIEWERS:** Baptiste Grard and Alexander Wezel, ISARA; Karla Škorjanc, Agroecology Europe; Vasileios Gkisakis, ELGO-DIMITRA.

**TO CITE:** Dimitrova A. (2023). Mapping agroecology in North Macedonia. In: Wezel, A., Grard, B. and Gkisakis, V. (eds). Mapping agroecology in Europe. Country Reports Series, Vol. 1, ISARA, Lyon, France; Agroecology Europe, Corbais, Belgium.

<figure><img src="image_1416.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1417.png" /></figure>

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No101000478.

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.

More information about the H2020-Agroecology for Europe project can be found here: www.ae4eu.eu

<figure><img src="image_1418.png" /></figure>
NORTH MACEDONIA
---
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report aims to give an overview of the current state of agroecology in the Republic of North Macedonia (NMK). Interviews with key informants and initiatives, accompanied by literature revision have provided information regarding the five activity categories defined by the methodology of the H2020 project Agroecology for Europe (AE4EU) Education and Training, Living Lab, Movements, Practice, and Science.

The socio-political and economic development of the country have severely impacted the general knowledge, recognition and practical implementation of the concepts and principles of agroecology. Subsequently, this has contributed to the lack of use of the term, or it's substituted with more recognisable terms (e.g., organic agriculture, sustainable practices, rural development, etc.) making it difficult to track and characterise initiatives whose work is closely associated with agroecology.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that is focused on agroecology in NMK, its development, recognition, and practical use. The initiatives included in this report present a limited mapping effort, and further development of the methodology that is contextually appropriate for the case of the NMK could enable the provision of more inclusive data. Mapping efforts of this kind provide the basis for future, more elaborate joint projects, and initiatives, that would target particular aspects of agroecology, especially important for the context of NMK, as a country dependent on and suited for agriculture.
NORTH MACEDONIA
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (MACEDONIAN)

Овој извештај има за цел да даде преглед на моменталната состојба на агроекологијата во Република Северна Македонија (NMK). Интервјуата со клучните информатори и агроеколошките иницијативи, заедно со преглед на литературата, обезбедија информации од аспект на петте столба дефинирани во методологијата на H2020 проектот Agroecology for Europe (AE4EU) - Агроекологија за Европа: Образование и тренинг, Живи лабораторија Движења, Пракса, и Наука.

Социо-политичкиот и економскиот развој на земјата значајно влијаеле на генералното познавање, препознавање и практична имплементација на концептите и принципите на агроекологија. Последователно, ова придонесува за недоволно користење на терминот „агроекологија“, или негова замена во препознатливи термини (пр. органско земјоделие, одржливи практики, рурален развој, итн.) што го отежнува следењето и карактеризацијата на иницијативите чија работа е поврзана со агроекологијата.

Според нашите сознанија, ова е прв извештај фокусиран на агроекологија во NMK, нејзиниот развој, препознатливост и практична примена. Иницијативите кои се дел од овој извештај се резултат на ограничени напори за мапирање, и дополнителен развој на методологија, соодветна за системските карактеристики на NMK, би овозможил инклузивен пристап и вклучување на повеќе информации. Овие напори за мапирање даваат основа за идни, покомплексни заеднички проекти и иницијативи, кои би имале за цел да се фокусираат на одредени аспекти од агроекологијата, посебно значајни во контекстот на NMK како земја зависна од и соодветна за земјоделството.
# 1. METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The information regarding key informants in North Macedonia are summarised in Table 1.

<table><caption>**Table 1:** List of key informants in North Macedonia.</caption><thead><tr><th>Key informant nº</th><th>Type of organisation</th><th>Main sector of involvement</th><th colspan="4">ACTIVITY CATEGORY CONCERNED</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Research centre</td><td>Environment</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>University</td><td>Agroecology</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>University</td><td>Genetics and conservation of plant biodiversity</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="image_1419.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1420.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1421.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1422.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1423.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1424.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1425.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1426.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1427.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1428.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_1429.png" /></figure>

# 2. CONTEXT

The Republic of North Macedonia (NMK) is a small landlocked country in the South-Eastern part of Europe, on the Balkan peninsula. The country is characterised with heterogeneous landscapes, dominated by mountainous and hilly regions, located in three main climatic zones (moderate continental, mountainous and temperate Mediterranean) (Ivanovska and Andonov 2018), although specific micro-climates are also characteristic for some parts of the countries. In 1991, NMK separated from former Yugoslavia, and during the past 30 years it has undergone several economic and political reforms. One of the focuses of the country is the European Union (EU) membership, and since December 2005 its candidature has been presented<fnref n="185" />.

Around half of the total surface area of NMK is considered as agricultural land (arable land and permanent pastures), with the agriculture and food sector as one of the main contributors to the national economy, up to 14% in the GDP (Ivanovska and Andonov 2018). The importance of the sector in NMK is visible as its GDP is higher in comparison with other EU countries (Volk et al. 2014). One of the main focuses in agriculture has been preparing for transition towards the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with the National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development in the period 2007-2013 focused on defining and implementing various measures and instruments in line with CAP<fnref n="186" />. Additionally, there are the Macedonian IPARD (Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development) programmes, through which EU funding supports a large part of the rural development projects (Dimitrievski et al. 2014). In NMK over 58 percent of agricultural holdings still utilise less than 1 ha and only about 1% of farms operate on agricultural areas larger than 10ha (Dimitrievski et al. 2014, Volk et al. 2014). Currently, small-scale farming is the main type of agricultural production (MKD-KI-1, Table 1), same as before the privatisation that started in the 1990s. Both crop production and livestock contribute to agriculture production, with 75% and 25%, respectively (Volk et al. 2014).

<footnote n="185">¹⁸⁵ EU Commission, 2021. North Macedonia 2021 Report (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021SC0294)</footnote>

<footnote n="186">¹⁸⁶ MAFWE, 2021. Национална стратегија за земјоделството и руралниот развој за периодот 2014-2020. http://ipard.gov.mk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Национална-стратегија-за-земјоделство-и-рурален-развој-2021-2027.pdf</footnote>
Important regional differences exist regarding the agricultural sector. The north-west part is known for mainly livestock production, while the east, south-west and south-east are mainly focused on various types of crops depending on the climate and the tradition (MKD-KI-1, Table 1). Most of the land for crop production is used for cereals as the main crop, followed by vegetable crops, industrial crops as tobacco, forage crops, vineyards, and fruit trees (Dimitrievski et al. 2014, Ivanovska and Andonov 2018). Livestock is a stable part of food production, however, crop yields and livestock production levels are much lower than the averages in EU countries, due to the quality of the reproductive material (breeding structures) and the working practices and conditions (e.g. extensive transhumant way of sheep breeding, fragmentation of parcels, long periods without investments, inadequate agro-technical production practices) (Dimitrievski et al. 2014).

Most agricultural practices are considered as part of the 'conventional agriculture' approach (notably, on much lower scale regarding other countries due to the mountainous character of the land with subsequent land fragmentation), characterised with intensive practices, high input, and strong market-orientation (Ivanovska and Andonov 2018). However, Ivanovska and Andonov (2018) provide an interesting observation that most of the producers which have larger fields used for commercial production, as well as smaller plots near their residence where they maintain the diversity of local populations and landraces, for personal use or direct sell on local markets. The authors attribute this practice to the particularities of the taste, the tradition of production, higher pest and disease resistance, better adaptation to microclimate and the need for low input agricultural practices (MKD-KI-1 & MKD-KI-3, Table 1).

Since the early 2000s, organic agriculture has been receiving an increasing interest in NMK. The initiatives from the producers were met by governmental regulations following the EU trends, and some type of infrastructure (laws and regulations, certification bodies, subsidies) and training have been set up. Currently, it can be claimed that the term 'organic agriculture' is recognisable among the general population, whereas this is not the case for agroecology. The concept and the terminology of agroecology is not widely recognised in NMK (MKD-KI-1, MKD-KI-2 & MKD-KI-3, Table 1). And when known, agroecology is mainly referred to in the context of on-field practices rather than values or principles. This makes it difficult to define the starting point of agroecology in the country, as it is also regarded as similar to 'traditional agriculture', practised mainly on smaller plots using labour-intensive means of production in comparison with conventional agriculture (MKD-KI-1 & MKD-KI-3, Table 1). Various projects were/are aimed towards development and diversification of rural activities, modernisation of agriculture and food production, preservation of agrobiodiversity (e.g. through preserving rural areas and their traditional characteristic, and genetic diversity of autochthonous crops and livestock breeds), activities closely aligned with the agroecological principles and practices (Ivanovska and Andonov 2018). However, as all key informants report (KI1, KI2 & KI3, Table 1), as well as found in the initiatives investigated, agroecology is present only as part of projects, which with limited duration and budget, make it unsustainable in the long run.

Lack of clear definition of agroecology is also an obstacle regarding policies, monitoring, and outcome (MKD-KI-2, Table 1). In the governmental bodies, mainly the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy (MAFWE) which is the main regulating body, agroecology is associated with organic agriculture. MAFWE along with accompanying institutions (i.e., Agency for Financial Support of Agriculture and Rural Development - AFSARD, National Extension Agency-NEA and Public Enterprise for Pastures), are involved mainly in the legislation, which not often corresponds with the on-field demands of farmers (MKD-KI-1, MKD-KI-2, MKD-KI-3,
Table 1). In NMK, an additional issue is the low levels of actual realisation of strategy plans, spotted as the weakest link in agricultural policy by foreign evaluators (Erjavec et al. 2014). In this regard, the key informants also emphasise that there is no existing mapping of agroecological practices and initiatives, methodology for measurement and monitoring of agroecological indicators, as well as official studies and reports to compare the past and the present state of the country, thus making it impossible to assess the actual ‘level’ of agroecology in the country (MKD-KI-2 & MKD-KI-3, Table 1).

In the past 20 years, a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), farmers' organisations, and associations have been involved in various projects that are in line with the agroecological principles (MKD-KI-2, Table 1), although they have rarely been promoted as such. These projects are most often collaborations between the NGO sector and farmers, and focused mainly on organic production, cultivation and spread of autochthonous crop species, integrated pest management, and raising the general awareness of the need for more sustainable food production and consumption, both of the producers and the consumers (MKD-KI-1, MKD-KI-2 and MKD-KI-3, Table 1). Several factors impact the currently low levels of practising agroecology, especially considering the traditional practices, which are very in line with the agroecological principles, but whose potential is poorly used both in NMK and the rest of the countries in the region (Volk et al. 2014). In the case of NMK, the lack of institutional support and of cooperation between the sectors involved in agriculture, along with absence of a system for observation and measurement of the actual on-field practices, are seen as the main causes for the current low status of agroecology in the country (MKD-KI-1 & MKD-KI-2, Table 1).

# 3. CURRENT SITUATION OF AGROECOLOGY

## 3.1. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

<figure><img src="image_1430.png" /></figure>

Education and training activities in NMK regarding agroecology have to be considered from two aspects, formal and non-formal. The formal education is conducted at two of the public universities, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje)<fnref n="187" /> and the Faculty of Agriculture (Goce Delcev University, Shtip)<fnref n="188" />, although an official Department

of Agroecology does not exist (MKD-KI-2, Table 1).

The Institute of Natural Resources Management and Environment Protection in Agriculture is part of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, which offers a bachelor study programme of 4 years in "Eco-Agriculture". It is described as "a study programme specialised in agroecology and sustainable food systems, proper management of land, water and other natural resources, environment protection, and the legal framework". The same programme also offers more specialised studies on Master and PhD level, for management of natural resources and environment protection in agriculture. At the Faculty of Agriculture in Shtip, there are more general classes in the Bachelor studies that touch upon the topic of agroecology, and a Master and PhD programme that go more into depth on the topic of agroecology (MKD-KI-2, Table 1). These programmes are more holistic in the sense that they emphasise that agroecology is a complex topic that requires advanced knowledge on various subjects (biology, plant physiology, plant-environment interactions, social and economic aspects of food production) (MKD-KI-2, Table 1). In general, formal education on agroecology in NMK is more focused on

<footnote n="187">187 http://www.fznhu.ukim.edu.mk/</footnote>

<footnote n="188">188 https://zf.ugd.edu.mk/index.php/mk/</footnote>