(On April 17, 2010) Once again, April 17, day of peasant struggle, brings to light the strength and diversity of a great number of citizens´ resistance to the dominant model of food and agriculture that multinational companies impose on us all.

On every continent many varied activities will take place. As well as big events in large capitals, small villages will also be host to a multitude of activities. The activities will often be festive, as is the case in Madrid and Halifax. They will sometimes be marked by contemplation such as in Turkey where a commemoration will take place at the burial site of a peasant leader who died on April 17, 2007. They can be sociable like in the Netherlands where a food fair has been organized to celebrate the launching of a new cookbook. In many countries (Honduras, Brasil, Indonesia, etc…) conferences have been organised. In Africa, in East Timor and in Argentina, April 17 will be honoured by local radio and television stations.

For this international day of peasant struggle all denounce with one voice the abuses of multinational companies. In many European countries, multinational corporations in charge of distribution will be targeted. In Indonesia and Pakistan, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Germany, actions will be carried out to denounce land grabs. In Spain and in Portugal G.M.O. plants and their disastrous consequences is at the core of their message.

Moreover, on this April 17, the organisers will explain and put forward alternatives to these international giants. For instance, in Switzerland, actions are be centered on shopping locally. In Bolivia, a big delegation of more than 3000 members if La Via Campesina is participating at The World People’s Conference on Climate Change to attest to the urgency of dealing with the climate crisis by radically changing our modes of production and consumption.

Each year, from April 17 to April 17, food sovereignty gains ground!

Contacts for journalists

Boaventura Monjane – tel: (00591) 74815401,
e-mail:boa.monjane@viacampesina.org

Isabelle Delforge – tel: (00591) 74306257,
e-mail:idelforge@viacampesina.org