Mapping successful initiatives for marketing agroecological products from small-scale producers

A critical barrier to scaling agroecology is the lack of effective commercialization strategies that align with its core values. Smallholder farmers often struggle to access formal markets due to challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, limited consumer awareness, modest institutional support, and a lack of affordable certification options. Conventional markets frequently undervalue agroecological products, making it difficult for farmers to compete without compromising their principles. This report seeks to identify and analyze successful commercialization initiatives from diverse global contexts through a comprehensive literature review and examination of over 29 real-life initiatives. It aims to understand what enables these models to succeed, what challenges they continue to face, and how their lessons can inform future policy and practice. It highlights six practical strategies, like fair pricing, community certification, education, and diversification of distribution channels, that help connect farmers to markets. 
 

PROJECT YEAR

2024-2025

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Antenna Foundation

STUDENTS

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Environment and the Anthropocene, Sustainability and SDGs, Food Systems