Harvest of wheat. Photo.

Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification: the Values Beneath the Science

News published:  03/02/2026

What does “sustainable agriculture” actually mean, and why do scientists disagree about it?

A new episode of the Feed postcast by TABLE explores how two influential scientific discourses – Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification – start from different values, ask different questions, and often talk past each other. 

Drawing on an interdisciplinary study at SLU (also a project within Interdisciplinary Academy at SLU 2022-2023), ecologist Riccardo Bommarco and ethicist Helena Rocklinsberg examine how those different approaches shape research, priorities, and solutions. The conversation turns to what might change when scientists begin to listen across divides.

Listen to the podcast: Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification: the Values Beneath the Science. Feed: a food systems podcast, episode 94.

Read more: Assumptions and values influence research on agricultural sustainability. News item from SLU (December 2024)

Scientific article: Fischer, K., Vico, G., Röcklinsberg, H. et al. Progress towards sustainable agriculture hampered by siloed scientific discourses. Nat Sustain 8, 66–74 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01474-9

Five persons in front of a shrubbery in autumn colors. Photo.
Hans Liljenström, Helena Röcklinsberg, Riccardo Bommarco, Giulia Vico and Klara Fischer have published in the prestigious journal Nature Sustainability. With the article, the researchers hope to contribute to a more open discussion about how research can help lead society in the right direction towards increased sustainability.

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