From Classroom Frustration to Field Revolution

Craving hands-on experience absent from their curriculum, in 2021 students at Sweden’s agricultural university SLU Alnarp launched a revolutionary farm where they could put theory into practice.

"We were frustrated by the lack of practical agroecological education and examples of it working in real life," Marie-Claire (Claire) Feller explains. “So, instead of complaining, we did something by taking our education outside and getting our hands dirty in the soil.”

What started as a test plot has now grown into a thriving, integrated hub of regenerative farming that serves as both a living lab and a model for agroecological agriculture. Today, this student-led organization feeds over 100 families, hosts hundreds of volunteers, and serves as a living lab for agroecological innovation and interdisciplinary research.

A Living Lab for Cross-Collaboration

At Alnarp Agroecology Farm, it’s not uncommon to meet students of all academic backgrounds — from agriculture to geology, political science, engineering, and language. With roots in the university, Alnarp’s philosophy is centered around teaching the principles of agroecology and providing a safe space for students to experiment.

“Our community is incredibly diverse. What everyone has in common is an eager interest to learn about agroecology and how they can apply these concepts to their own areas of expertise,” Claire remarks. This has been key for breaking down silos and spurring scientific breakthroughs rooted in research and development. “The simple act of farming together has led to so many unexpected interdisciplinary applications and collaborations.”

This idea also extends to the greater community. Alnarp frequently holds public events — from gardening sessions that attract hundreds of volunteers to biannual festivals with music, lectures, and hands-on learning at the half-hectare farm. As the farm’s dedicated Community Manager, Claire explains how important this is to the DNA of Alnarp: “We believe that change will only come when people from all professions and walks of life come together.”

Including the Community

A member-supported enterprise, Alnarp delivers weekly seasonal harvests to 80 local families through a CSA scheme on top of local farmers markets and restaurant sales. The farm grows 50+ vegetables with several different cultivars from heirloom seeds and has biodiversity patches, flower production, perennial vegetables, agroforestry, and a food forest woven into their production.

“Our entire sales model is based on regeneration and agroecology,” Claire explains. “Our customers are willing to commit to a full season with us because they understand the value of the environmental and social benefits we provide by how we grow our food.” Alnarp’s Farm also generates revenue through community events, workshops, and lectures.

Despite this, Claire notes the challenges of being a self-run student organization and finding the right financing model that allows them to be self-sustaining. “One of our biggest challenges is the tension between providing nutritious food for all and the higher cost of those products,” Claire explains. “We hope policy will adapt soon, but until then we are constantly seeking ways we can be financially viable without compromising our values around inclusive accessibility.”

Advocating for Policy Reform

Alnarp is also active in politics on the EU level to advocate for a better future. "We look at regenerative agroecology not only as a mode of farming, but as a movement toward ecological and social justice," she asserts. "In today's world, where safe spaces for democratic exchange are becoming increasingly rare, we see our farm as a critical platform for fostering dialogue and community-building," Claire reflects.

This has led her to participate in youth panels for the Common Agricultural Policy in Brussels as well as to present at the 2024 World Food Forum. Alnarp’s Farm also hosts tours, welcomes visiting groups from other universities, and provides lectures.

“The responsibility of being a role model weighs on us with a special significance," Claire shares. “We feel that we are laying the foundation for young people to see what regenerative farming can look like in practice. For this reason, we strive to uphold the highest standards in everything we do.”

Their philosophy has paid off. “Because we kept the barrier for entry to engage with the farm low, it’s easy for anyone to join in. ” Claire shares. “For us, this has proven to be the most effective way to engage youth in the movement.” Alnarp’s grassroots momentum demonstrates how youth-led initiatives can catalyze wider food system transformation.