Farming Systems Ecology

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The Farming Systems Ecology group focuses on the analysis and redesign of farming systems and foodscapes, so that they deliver multiple benefits to humankind, using natural processes as our starting point. Our multi-disciplinary team, led by Tiny van Boekel (ad interim), includes expertise in (complex) systems analysis, modelling, agro-ecology, co-innovation, policy formation and immersive education. We uniquely combine a strong platform of simulation models with hands-on, empirical assessments of outstanding examples of sustainable farms and landscapes in all continents.

Our research

Our research aims to provide scientific support for the sustainable development of agroecosystems with special reference to low-input and organic agriculture, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Keywords are farming systems design, actors, co-innovation, and landscape ecology. We combine social-ecological knowledge with systems analysis techniques, and a solid understanding of farmland in both temperate and tropical regions of the world, for the design of ecologically intensive agroecosystems.

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Education

Education

Education by Farming Systems Ecology

We want to equip students, as actors in the food system, with keys to unlock, redesign and transition farming systems by experiencing, analysing and learning from outstanding examples of farms and foodscapes around the world. We contribute to multiple BSc and MSc programmes and courses. In addition, you can do your thesis or internship with us.

Did you know…
We offer ample opportunities for theses and internships in many parts of the world

Publications & Projects

Publications & Projects

Our research integrates multiple disciplines through systems approaches to the analysis and design of ecologically intensive agriculture. Collaboration with other research groups allows us to conduct multi-scale and inter-disciplinary research.

We publish the results of this research on a regular basis in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.

Chair Holder

Tiny van Boekel is emeritus professor for Food Science and Technology and interim chair holder of the Farming Systems Ecology group. In 2024, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his research on food quality. He has now shifted his focus to the research domains of Farming Systems Ecology.

prof.dr.ir. MAJS (Tiny) van Boekel

Professor / Chairholder

People of Farming Systems Ecology

Meet the people of Farming Systems Ecology.

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News (3)

Cows in the meadow
News

New method needed to better measure sustainability in agriculture

Sustainability in agriculture needs to be measured more flexibly and transparently, according to a group of researchers led by Wageningen University & Research. To achieve this, a new framework is needed. Currently, everyone measures sustainability in their own way, which poses a risk of ‘greenwashing’—the illusion of sustainability without genuine impact. “Sustainability sometimes seems prettier than it actually is,” say the researchers.

Nick van Eekeren
News

Professor of Regenerative Grassland Systems: 'Grasslands have more functions than many people think'

The Executive Board has appointed Nick van Eekeren Professor by special appointment for Regenerative Grassland Systems in the Farming Systems Ecology chair group of WUR as of 1 September 2024.

Two children harvesting fresh carrots from a vegetable garden
News

Circular food systems dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and require much less agricultural land

Redesigning the European food system will reduce agricultural land by 44% while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 70%. This reduction is possible with the current consumption of animal protein. If we also reduce the amount of animal protein we eat, replacing it with plant-based protein, land use could be reduced by 60% and emissions by 81%.

Sustainable food systems

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