Agroecological Experimentation in Agricultural Collectives

This document outlines the four-phase framework for collective agroecological experimentation in agricultural transitions: design, conduct, analyse, and disseminate. It details how collectives structure on-farm trials to adapt practices to local conditions, using facilitators to ensure methodological consistency and learning from both successes and failures. Emphasis is placed on systemic analysis, long-term monitoring, and sharing results through "itineraires d’expérimentation" to support iterative knowledge building. Rooted in the COTRAE project (2016–2019), funded by INRA, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the EU, the approach integrates agronomy and sociology for effective, context-specific agroecological change. Resources are available at www.cotrae-aura.fr.