
For years, ARC2020 has relied on X (formerly Twitter) to connect with partners, amplify voices in agroecology, and foster vital conversations about rural resilience and sustainable food systems. But the platform no longer serves as a conducive space for the kind of constructive engagement we strive for. Like many others, we have decided to leave the platform for good – and here’s why.
The once-open community has turned into an echo chamber of disinformation, marked by rising toxicity, the proliferation of extreme content, and an algorithm that amplifies divisive voices to maximize engagement. Meanwhile, X’s increasingly lax content moderation policies have raised serious concerns about individual and brand safety, eroding trust in the platform’s ability to foster meaningful dialogue.
In short – the environment on X no longer aligns with our mission of cultivating an agroecological future in a just world. And we are far from alone in thinking this. Others have articulated these challenges far better than we could, so we won’t go too far into explaining why, but we support their reasons for leaving. Like so many others, our decision reflects a commitment to strengthening communities and networks on platforms better suited for constructive conversations, trust-building, and shared values.
As we move forward, we are focusing on platforms and tools that prioritize community, trust, democratic decision-making and collaboration, and we are committed to sharing quality over quantity.
And so, we will instead continue to amplify and share our messages in places where the grass is greener – or, to be more exact, where the sky is bluer, as we have joined Bluesky, and would invite you to do the same. We will also of course continue posting to our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram accounts, as well as on our website.
We encourage our community to join us and explore resources like helloquittex.com and Skybridge to help transition your networks.

Navigating the Shifting Media Landscape
As we leave X, it is also an opportunity to reflect on ARC’s place in a changing media ecosystem, with opportunities and risks for independent platforms like us. The Reuters 2025 Journalism Report highlights several trends shaping the future of news and information, many of which resonate with our work as the last open-access source of EU agrifood policy news.
What we have learned from this report, as well as other reflections on the future of the sector, is helping to shape ARC’s vision going forward, namely:
- Traditional “legacy media” is waning in influence, as more people turn to alternative, personality-driven content creators. This shift offers opportunities to rebuild trust and foster direct, personalised relationships with audiences, but it also raises challenges around accuracy and accountability
- Many people are avoiding the news altogether, overwhelmed by sensationalism and low-value content. There’s a rising demand for formats that emphasize quality over quantity, like longer features, “read less, know more” approaches, and multimedia storytelling
- Consumer attention is shifting to video and podcasts, which drive loyalty and cultivate deeper connections. However, this trend is heavily male-dominated and favors those comfortable showcasing their personalities
- Only publishers that stand out through quality, relevance, and connection will thrive. For ARC2020, this means continuing to produce insightful, nuanced content that addresses the urgent challenges facing rural communities and agroecological movements
The horizons are not 100% smooth sailing, and we also recognize that the waters forward are wrought with opportunities and risks. AI-driven changes to content discovery pose significant risks for independent platforms. Many major outlets have made deals to feature prominently in AI-generated summaries, leaving smaller, non-English platforms at a disadvantage. We will not exclude using AI tools at all. But we will make our choice when and where its use makes sense and where algorithms do not shape or control our content.
Transparency and fairness in this area remain critical. But we’re concerned as to how best to reach our audiences. As X and Facebook decline, new opportunities arise on platforms like Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Google Discover. These spaces demand fresh strategies but also offer potential for reaching new audiences in creative ways. Do we have enough human-power and digital skills to transition to all these platforms? And should we be creating content just to keep up?
We don’t think so. Amid digital fatigue, there is renewed interest in “old-school” reading experiences, such as print publications and longer, distraction-free features. This aligns with ARC2020’s commitment to thoughtful, in-depth reporting on rural issues.
This moment is an opportunity to reimagine how we connect, share, and act together. By building resilient networks and embracing innovative approaches, we can foster a hopeful and just agroecological future – ciao X, we’ll see you all on Bluesky!
Read More…
From Local Roots to Global Vision: ARC2020 President Welcomes 2025
Who Is Actually Profiting Here? – Uniting for Common Good at #WHES25
Who Is Actually Profiting Here? – Uniting for Common Good at #WHES25
The EU Agri-Food Playbook 2025 – What to expect, why it matters
Hand in Hand for the Future of Farming – Call For Courage at #WHES25