A critical application of the Agroecology Criteria Tool to evaluate agri-food initiatives in Portugal

Abstract

Agroecology is being increasingly promoted as a pathway toward more sustainable agri-food systems, but its systemic and multidimensional nature makes agroecological assessment particularly difficult. While several frameworks have been developed to evaluate agroecological compliance, little is known about how agroecology is currently implemented and evaluated at the national level. This study examines 34 agroecological research and advocacy initiatives in Portugal using the Agroecology Criteria Tool (ACT), representing, to our knowledge, the first national-level application of a similar framework. The analysis shows that only a few initiatives considered fully adopt a systemic approach to agroecology, with most demonstrating only partial integration of the agroecological principles. Clear differences appear between types of initiatives: projects focused on agroecosystems tend to highlight ecological aspects, while food-system-focused initiatives mainly act as social and institutional facilitators rather than as leaders of comprehensive agroecological transformation. Meanwhile, applying the ACT reveals its usefulness and limitations, especially regarding overlaps among criteria and how elements are organized, which somehow restricts its ability to capture the dynamics within the groups of initiatives. Based on these results, we suggest targeted improvements to the tool to improve its clarity and usefulness. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for strong, transparent, and context-sensitive assessment frameworks to support evidence-based decisions and effectively guide the transition to agroecology.