United Nations Pre-Summit on Food Systems- Side event "Strengthening food systems transformation through agroecology" [fr]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Agroecology is a priority for France at the international level. We consider it an important lever for resilience and development. We promote its implementation in all forums and major meetings related to climate change, biodiversity, desertification or food systems – such as the one bringing us together today.

Contrary to what is sometimes said, agroecology is a modern and innovative solution, based on nature. We are committed to demonstrating its social and economic added value, beyond its obvious environmental interest – and to contributing to its development.

The agro-ecological transition must be accompanied, in North and South countries alike, through technical systems, public policies and the development of synergies between all actors in a systemic and territorial approach, combining farmers’ knowledge and scientific evidence through a combination of research and training.

I could give you several examples of international initiatives and endeavors promoted by France – of which I will mention three:

• First, The Great Green Wall Accelerator for the Sahel, launched at the last edition of the One Planet Summit in January. This multi-stakeholder coalition brings together International organizations and the public and private sectors, with a view to mobilizing in the 11 Member Countries of this initiative a wide array of agro-ecological solutions aiming to reconstitute ecosystems and implement efficient and sustainable value chains – far beyond the mere “vegetal screen” it is too often improperly reduced to ;

• Second initiative: the "TPP" - or Partnership Platform for Agroecological Transformation, which is the result of a collaboration between France and CGIAR. The TPP aims at exchanging data, co-creating methods, knowledge and innovation – especially at the local level – and fostering a dialogue between science, practices and policies. It purports to support and evaluate agro-ecological approaches, especially in terms of socio-economic viability.

• Thirdly and finally, again in the framework of a collaboration between France and CGIAR, 500 researchers are currently finalizing a vast review of knowledge on agroecology, which will soon be available and will provide a solid scientific foundation for the transition we are calling for.

I thank you for your attention.