Open letter to Mr. Han Chang-fu: Stop export of Paraquat produced by Syngenta and others in China! by MultiWatch et al. | 31 Oct 2016 China | actions We welcome the suggestion of the Agricultural Ministry of China on 9 May 2016 to re-classify the toxicity of the pesticide Paraquat from “medium toxic” to “extremely toxic” as well as the decisions taken by your ministry to ban the use of all Paraquat formulations in China. Further, we appreciate that the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA) correctly stated that Paraquat has "no specific antidote, that accidental application is dangerous, and that illness duration is long and painful, and could be life-threatening". However, we are strongly concerned that the Agriculture Ministry of China on April 24 2012, and again on May 9 2016, officially allows production of Paraquat for export to be used in other parts of the world, harming the health of agricultural workers, farmers and the environment in these countries. We welcome the suggestion of the Agricultural Ministry of China on 9 May 2016 to re-classify the toxicity of the pesticide Paraquat from “medium toxic” to “extremely toxic” as well as the decisions taken by your ministry to ban the use of all Paraquat formulations in China. Further, we appreciate that the Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals (ICAMA) correctly stated that Paraquat has "no specific antidote, that accidental application is dangerous, and that illness duration is long and painful, and could be life-threatening". However, we are strongly concerned that the Agriculture Ministry of China on April 24 2012, and again on May 9 2016, officially allows production of Paraquat for export to be used in other parts of the world, harming the health of agricultural workers, farmers and the environment in these countries.
UN recognizes meat production’s impact on deforestation and land grabbing by UN | 23 Oct 2016 land grabbing | climate crisis The United Nations Committee on Food Security (CFS), adopted a set of recommendations at its annual meeting in Rome this week that emphasize the need to address the impacts of unsustainable meat and dairy production on deforestation, land grabbing and food security. The United Nations Committee on Food Security (CFS), adopted a set of recommendations at its annual meeting in Rome this week that emphasize the need to address the impacts of unsustainable meat and dairy production on deforestation, land grabbing and food security.
Land for the women who work it: struggles in Latin America by Claudia Korol | 17 Oct 2016 Land Lack of access to land is one of the most serious problems facing rural women in Latin America and around the world—and is the cause of numerous other problems that are often “invisible” for society at large. Its consequences affect women everywhere, humanity in general and the planet. This issue of Against the grain explores the conditions of oppression and exclusion that rural women experience throughout Latin America and the impacts of patriarchy including the gendered division of labour, the invisibilisation of women’s work and the exploitation of both women and men. The piece also addresses women’s ongoing struggle for the right to land at a time when the role of women is increasingly recognised as central to the reproduction of peasant agriculture and to solving the problem of global hunger. Lack of access to land is one of the most serious problems facing rural women in Latin America and around the world—and is the cause of numerous other problems that are often “invisible” for society at large. Its consequences affect women everywhere, humanity in general and the planet. This issue of Against the grain explores the conditions of oppression and exclusion that rural women experience throughout Latin America and the impacts of patriarchy including the gendered division of labour, the invisibilisation of women’s work and the exploitation of both women and men. The piece also addresses women’s ongoing struggle for the right to land at a time when the role of women is increasingly recognised as central to the reproduction of peasant agriculture and to solving the problem of global hunger.
A high price: mounting debt means tragedy for tens of thousands of farmers in Vietnam by Duong Dinh Tuong, Nongnghiep | 17 Oct 2016 Viet Nam | land grabbing | food sovereignty Behind the vast yellow maize hills spreading out onto the horizon of Son La province in northwestern Vietnam lies tragedy for tens of thousands of small farmers. Once self-sufficient rice producers, the ethnic minority Xinh Mun people were convinced to trade in their rice crop for hybrid maize, a shift that created growing debt and deep sadness as many lost their lands as a result. Behind the vast yellow maize hills spreading out onto the horizon of Son La province in northwestern Vietnam lies tragedy for tens of thousands of small farmers. Once self-sufficient rice producers, the ethnic minority Xinh Mun people were convinced to trade in their rice crop for hybrid maize, a shift that created growing debt and deep sadness as many lost their lands as a result.
Five food system lessons we can learn from Africa by Jennifer Lentfer, Civil Eats | 7 Oct 2016 Ethiopia | United States | food sovereignty | seeds & biodiversity Small farmers who sell their food locally still produce around 80 percent of the food in sub-Saharan Africa. But that does not mean that farmers and food activists on the African continent can be complacent. Quite the opposite. Corporate industrialization of African agriculture is resulting in massive land grabs, destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems, displacement of indigenous peoples, and destruction of livelihoods and cultures. A recipient of the 2016 Food Sovereignty Prize from Ethiopia shares his insights on food and farming, threats to smallholder farmers in Africa, and communicating across ideological differences. Small farmers who sell their food locally still produce around 80 percent of the food in sub-Saharan Africa. But that does not mean that farmers and food activists on the African continent can be complacent. Quite the opposite. Corporate industrialization of African agriculture is resulting in massive land grabs, destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems, displacement of indigenous peoples, and destruction of livelihoods and cultures. A recipient of the 2016 Food Sovereignty Prize from Ethiopia shares his insights on food and farming, threats to smallholder farmers in Africa, and communicating across ideological differences.
No, giant farms are not feeding the world. They’re feeding Canada. by Tom Philpott, Mother Jones | 5 Oct 2016 United States | corporations | technologies | GMOs Can US exports really help "feed the hungry and malnourished in developing nations around the world," as the industry-funded site Facts About GMOs puts it? A new report from Environmental Working Group basically destroys that claim & Tom Philpott summarizes the data. Can US exports really help "feed the hungry and malnourished in developing nations around the world," as the industry-funded site Facts About GMOs puts it? A new report from Environmental Working Group basically destroys that claim & Tom Philpott summarizes the data.
Farming mega-mergers threaten food security, say campaigners by John Vidal | 27 Sep 2016 corporations | technologies | laws & policies | GMOs Until recently, six or seven global agri-food businesses competed with each other for a share of the world market for seeds and chemicals. But if EU and US regulators allow a series of mega-mergers to take place, within months just three companies will be left in control of nearly 60% of the world’s seeds, nearly 70% of the chemicals and pesticides needed to grow food and nearly all of the world’s GM crop genetic traits. Until recently, six or seven global agri-food businesses competed with each other for a share of the world market for seeds and chemicals. But if EU and US regulators allow a series of mega-mergers to take place, within months just three companies will be left in control of nearly 60% of the world’s seeds, nearly 70% of the chemicals and pesticides needed to grow food and nearly all of the world’s GM crop genetic traits.
Latin American scientists reject letter from Nobel Prize laureates in support of GMOs by UCCSN-AL | 19 Sep 2016 seeds & biodiversity | GMOs The Union of Latin American Scientists Committed to Society and Nature (UCCSN-AL) rejects the letter signed by several Nobel Prize laureates in favour of genetically modified crops and the transgenic rice called "golden rice." The Union of Latin American Scientists Committed to Society and Nature (UCCSN-AL) rejects the letter signed by several Nobel Prize laureates in favour of genetically modified crops and the transgenic rice called "golden rice."
Full-time job position AFSA West Africa staff by AFSA | 25 Aug 2016 announcements The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) is a broad alliance of different civil society actors who are part of the struggle for food sovereignty and agro-ecology in Africa. These include: African farmers' organisations, African NGO networks, specialist African NGOs, consumer movements in Africa, international organisations who support the stance of AFSA, and individuals. Its’ members represent small holder farmers, pastoralists, hunter/gatherers, indigenous peoples; Faith based institutions, and environmentalists from across Africa. AFSA is seeking qualified applicants for the position of West Africa Staff to be based in any of the West African countries. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda focusing on food sovereignty and agroecology in Africa. The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) is a broad alliance of different civil society actors who are part of the struggle for food sovereignty and agro-ecology in Africa. These include: African farmers' organisations, African NGO networks, specialist African NGOs, consumer movements in Africa, international organisations who support the stance of AFSA, and individuals. Its’ members represent small holder farmers, pastoralists, hunter/gatherers, indigenous peoples; Faith based institutions, and environmentalists from across Africa. AFSA is seeking qualified applicants for the position of West Africa Staff to be based in any of the West African countries. This position will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda focusing on food sovereignty and agroecology in Africa.
Killing our livelihoods: the dairy crisis in India by Food Sovereignty Alliance | 23 Aug 2016 India | corporations | food sovereignty Domestic milk markets in India are in crisis. A price war is raging between dairy processors, to sell milk at extremely low prices in urban areas. This has been accompanied by a steep reduction in milk procurement prices paid and a reduction in the volume of milk procured by dairy processors from producers. Small farmers, whose livelihoods depend on selling milk and who are the backbone of this market, have been hardest hit. This has also severely affected the people’s milk market, commonly referred to as the “informal” or “unorganised” milk markets. Video produced by Food Sovereignty Alliance India. Domestic milk markets in India are in crisis. A price war is raging between dairy processors, to sell milk at extremely low prices in urban areas. This has been accompanied by a steep reduction in milk procurement prices paid and a reduction in the volume of milk procured by dairy processors from producers. Small farmers, whose livelihoods depend on selling milk and who are the backbone of this market, have been hardest hit. This has also severely affected the people’s milk market, commonly referred to as the “informal” or “unorganised” milk markets. Video produced by Food Sovereignty Alliance India.
Mega trade and investment deals destroy local markets by GRAIN | 18 Aug 2016 Corporations | Supermarket Watch This issue of Supermarket watch Asia bulletin highlights the impacts of trade and investment agreements on farmers, fishers and street vendors. We begin with a statement from the international peasant movement La Vía Campesina on trade, markets and development, which was issued during the Fourteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 17 – 22 July 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya. We then look at how Hanoi, Vietnam has criminalised street vendors who are already threatened by the expansion of foreign retailers caused by new trade regulations. Finally, we examine the experience of a food safety organisation in Thailand that is suing the Thai government over its failure to protect food safety with regards to fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets. This issue of Supermarket watch Asia bulletin highlights the impacts of trade and investment agreements on farmers, fishers and street vendors. We begin with a statement from the international peasant movement La Vía Campesina on trade, markets and development, which was issued during the Fourteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 17 – 22 July 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya. We then look at how Hanoi, Vietnam has criminalised street vendors who are already threatened by the expansion of foreign retailers caused by new trade regulations. Finally, we examine the experience of a food safety organisation in Thailand that is suing the Thai government over its failure to protect food safety with regards to fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets.
Towards seed sovereignty: new easy to read seed law training posters for CSOs by ACB | 15 Aug 2016 seeds & biodiversity Previously, the African Centre for Biodiversity shared with you, easy to read seed posters on intellectual property rights, UPOV 1991, the Arusha Plant Variety Protection Protocol etc. and implications for small holder farmers and farmers’ rights. Now, we are happy to announce the release of a second set of easy to read seed posters, dealing with seed laws that regulate the release, certification and marketing of seed nationally and regionally. These posters represent our continuing efforts to share knowledge and information about the threats these laws pose to the protection of farmers’ rights, farmer managed seed systems and food sovereignty. Previously, the African Centre for Biodiversity shared with you, easy to read seed posters on intellectual property rights, UPOV 1991, the Arusha Plant Variety Protection Protocol etc. and implications for small holder farmers and farmers’ rights. Now, we are happy to announce the release of a second set of easy to read seed posters, dealing with seed laws that regulate the release, certification and marketing of seed nationally and regionally. These posters represent our continuing efforts to share knowledge and information about the threats these laws pose to the protection of farmers’ rights, farmer managed seed systems and food sovereignty.
Monsanto in retreat: movement from the grassroots by Silvia Ribeiro, ALAI | 12 Aug 2016 Argentina | corporations | seeds & biodiversity Since August 1st, the news is spreading that Monsanto had to abandon the construction of one of the biggest factories in the world for producing transgenic seed that was to be installed in Córdoba, Argentina, in the municipality of Malvinas Argentinas. From there they had planned to distribute seeds to Latin America and beyond. This is an occurrence of enormous importance, that the company has not wanted to admit publicly, because the reason for their exit is the persistent popular resistance from neighbourhoods, youths and mothers, who have blocked the factory since 2013. Since August 1st, the news is spreading that Monsanto had to abandon the construction of one of the biggest factories in the world for producing transgenic seed that was to be installed in Córdoba, Argentina, in the municipality of Malvinas Argentinas. From there they had planned to distribute seeds to Latin America and beyond. This is an occurrence of enormous importance, that the company has not wanted to admit publicly, because the reason for their exit is the persistent popular resistance from neighbourhoods, youths and mothers, who have blocked the factory since 2013.
Seeds of Freedom Tanzania documentary film launched by TOAM | 10 Aug 2016 Tanzania | seeds & biodiversity A new documentary film, "Uhuru wa Mbegu za Wakulima", captures the testimonies of farmers whose customary rights to save, share and exchange seed are threatened by seed laws designed to replace traditional varieties with commercial hybrids and handover control to the global seed companies. The 28-minute film follows a local seed producer, Mathias Mtwale, as he meets with farmers, researchers, seed suppliers, regulators, and legislators to understand the issues, and to make the case for a fair deal for the farmers. A new documentary film, "Uhuru wa Mbegu za Wakulima", captures the testimonies of farmers whose customary rights to save, share and exchange seed are threatened by seed laws designed to replace traditional varieties with commercial hybrids and handover control to the global seed companies. The 28-minute film follows a local seed producer, Mathias Mtwale, as he meets with farmers, researchers, seed suppliers, regulators, and legislators to understand the issues, and to make the case for a fair deal for the farmers.
Elusive beneficiaries of Mozambique’s $4.2bn agricultural deal uncovered by Verdade newsroom, ANCIR and ICIJ | 4 Aug 2016 Mozambique | corporations Despite claims that a massive agricultural development deal in Mozambique will benefit the country’s citizens, there are indications that the project is designed to benefit a select few and could leave 100,000 Mozambicans displaced, write Khadija Sharife and Luis Nhachote. More than 95% of Mozambique’s cultivated land is worked by millions of families that farm for food and income. But the land and its people may be at risk if one of the largest agricultural development deals in Africa is realised. Details leaked from the Panama Papers database show that the Lurio River Valley Development Project, which is valued at $4.2 billion, is being orchestrated behind a web of opaque offshore companies with little in the way of credible track records, financing information, ownership information or even brick-and-mortar offices. Despite claims that a massive agricultural development deal in Mozambique will benefit the country’s citizens, there are indications that the project is designed to benefit a select few and could leave 100,000 Mozambicans displaced, write Khadija Sharife and Luis Nhachote. More than 95% of Mozambique’s cultivated land is worked by millions of families that farm for food and income. But the land and its people may be at risk if one of the largest agricultural development deals in Africa is realised. Details leaked from the Panama Papers database show that the Lurio River Valley Development Project, which is valued at $4.2 billion, is being orchestrated behind a web of opaque offshore companies with little in the way of credible track records, financing information, ownership information or even brick-and-mortar offices.