Major philanthropies urge massive scale up of agroecology and regenerative approach. An opportunity demanding scrutiny.

25 major philanthropies are calling for a groundbreaking tenfold increase in funding for regenerative and agroecological transitions to tackle urgent global agricultural and environmental challenges. Their joint report, “Cultivating Change: Accelerating and Scaling Agroecology and Regenerative Approaches,” outlines the transformative potential of these sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The call to action emphasizes the need to phase out fossil fuel use in agriculture and transition towards agroecology to align with the 1.5ºC goal of the Paris Agreement.
  • The estimated cost for a global transition to agroecology and regenerative approaches is USD 250-430 billion per year, a fraction of the hidden costs of current practices.
  • Current investments fall short, leaving a significant gap of USD 206-386 billion, requiring a tenfold increase to support the necessary transformation.

While the call for increased investment presents an opportunity to transform global food systems, it also demands scrutiny. Can this financial influx truly drive positive change, or might it inadvertently support questionable practices under the guise of agroecology? The need for transparent, accountable, and community-driven initiatives is paramount to avoid the pitfalls of appropriation.

You can find the full report here.