European farmer protests persist, drawing global attention. While marking the International Day of Peasant Struggles, Korean farmers held a cross-continental dialogue titled ‘Why are European Farmers Protesting?’ to study the context of this protest that resonates with the lived realities of Korean peasants.
Europe today has around 9 million farms, down from 15 million in 2003, and the average age of farmers is 57 years old. They struggle to access seeds, land, water and the market. Public policies prioritise market interests and corporate profits over human rights and feeding the population.
Driven by an expansion of the industrial food system, including global sourcing and retail structures, and corporate concentration and power within this system, Ultra Processed Food are replacing fresh and minimally processed foods and home-cooked meals in our diets. Dietary patterns are becoming increasingly homogenized and culinary traditions are disappearing.
Data from FEGA shows women-owned farms receive disproportionately less CAP aid than men, with only 27.5% of direct aid and 26.34% of Rural Development aid. Women farmers face marginalization due to smaller sizes and ineligible production.
The signatories express discontent with the IMF’s dismissive attitude towards civil society concerns, urging for transparent and participatory decision-making processes concerning reforms, particularly in debt restructuring. They are demanding a reduction in the country’s debt burden through a fair and transparent process, including the identification and cancellation of odious debt.
La Via Campesina Brazil has publicly expressed its total rejection of the European Union – Mercosur Agreement. This Agreement represents a setback for Brazil and the Mercosur countries in terms of socio-economic development, as well as a frontal attack on their sovereignty.
ECVC farmers will mobilise for a third time in Brussels on the 26 March demanding an adequate response to our key demands centred on fair incomes and fair prices for farmers and farm workers.
Honduran women demand justice, equality, and dignity. They demand immediate action against femicide, budget provisions for gender equality, ratification of labor conventions, and a national strategy to combat violence against women, among other crucial reforms.
The CUC demands that girls have access to education, preventing early marriage and motherhood, providing women with equitable access to land and fair trade opportunities, eliminating gender discrimination, ensuring fair working conditions, creating market opportunities for artisanal products, and promoting a life free from violence.
We commit ourselves to the active construction of Food Sovereignty, fighting against the crises and violence that affect our communities. We continue to move forward and share experiences, strategies, and dreams, solidifying our commitment to gender equity and social justice in rural areas. Solidarity with the Haitian people.
