Conference

Organised by Friends of the Earth International & Via Campesina

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are Europe’s attempt to carve out free trade areas with mostly former colonies in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific region (ACP). If signed up to, they would cause lasting damage to communities and their environment. EPAs threaten to bring family farmers and fledgling industries into direct and unfair competition with powerful European companies which would result in the destruction of livelihoods and increased poverty. The EU is trying to force these unfair deals through by the end of 2007 despite resistance from ACP countries and communities.

Food sovereignty is a vital, alternative approach to such unfair trade deals. This is the right of peoples to define their own food and agricultural policies – ensuring access to adequate, healthy, locally produced food that offers rural people a living wage and preserves the environment. Speakers will challenge corporate-driven food and agricultural policies that undermine sustainable development around the world.

Languages: English, Spanish

When: 11:30 – 2.00 Tuesday 23 January 2007

Where: Gate 15 IN – LOWER, ROOM 504

Chair: Diamantino Nhampossa (Via Campesina – UNAC)

Speakers:
Arsène Vinglassalon (Confédération Paysanne- Via Campesina)
George Awudi (Friends of the Earth International)