This review paper explores the complexity of relation between innovation and
sustainability and relates it to the agro-food arena. Many scholars argue that meeting the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires major transformation in modes of
innovation. As for the agro-food system, relationship between innovation and
sustainability is far from straightforward. Innovation (especially technical one) provides a
fertile ground for alternative agro-food movements to criticize the over-industrialization
of the food system. However, it seems that it is not about questioning innovation tout
court, but about what type of innovation (see, sustainable innovation) should be promoted
to foster transition towards sustainable food systems.