ABSTRACT
Agroecology is frequently mentioned as a sustainable concept that is relevant to discussions on the reform of laws and policies on food and agriculture. The debate on a post-Brexit regulatory framework is no exception in this regard. Yet, explicit interactions between law and agroecology have, so far, been limited and often provide little clarity on the legal meaning of this concept. This chapter draws inspiration from international legal instruments to which the UK is a party, to advocate an ecosystem approach to agriculture. Such an approach seeks to prioritise the conservation of ecosystem functions in the regulation of agriculture and food production, thereby supporting agroecological practices. Using the example of the EU’s regulatory regime for the authorisation of genetically modified crops for cultivation, it illustrates how an ecosystem approach could be implemented. Notably, it shows that it is not enough to include substantive provisions that recognise ecosystem functions as objects worthy of protection. Additionally, procedural opportunities and safeguards are required to capture the input of farmers as agroecosystem stewards. Extending these findings to the UK reveals the need for a more ambitious and inclusive approach to the regulation of food and agriculture, which presents agroecology as a sustainable alternative for our post-Brexit future.
