The development of agroecology concerns different social actors among which we can highlight producers, scientists, government technicians, researchers, consumers and interested sectors of society, local, state and federal governments, etc. In this sense, the theme of agroecology as a social project for contemporary agriculture and environmental care also contributes to the discussion of agrarian issues associated with innovative solutions to crucial problems related to employment, food sovereignty and preservation of agroecosystems. Agroecology proceeds of intense interactions and dialogues between social actors who play a key role in its social and political legitimacy, supported by practical experiences in ecologically-based farming. This characteristic has boosted both the process of institutionalization and the construction of public policies in agroecology. However, the advance of agroecology is marked by difficulties that compromise its widespread dissemination of this important social practice.. Our research was conducted through participant observation, literature reviews, and interviews with leaders and participation in meetings. In view of this reality the present article aims to describe the emergence and functioning of agroecology in sociotechnical networks. We conclude that the dynamics and functioning of agroecology networks are based on openness to the participation of civil society, the creation of interfaces with a set of institutions of society through collective actions and rural development projects, but it also depends on the support of public policies.