Red Andaluza de Semillas "Cultivando Biodiversidad"
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> Farmer’s Seeds Project - Best Practices in Sustainable Agriculture and Food (...)
The enhancement of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources is a central issue for the future of farm seeds. Both in Europe and in the South, a large number of family experiences in agriculture and small-scale cultivation contribute to the preservation of the cultivated biodiversity. Based on a vision of Food Sovereignty, these experiences are characterized by the sustainable management of natural resources, conservation and exchange of seeds, valorization of farmers’ knowledge and short chain so as to ensure social and economic efficiency in the framework of sustainable and participated rural development.
The project therefore aims at mobilizing a multi-stakeholder operative network for a proper implementation in Europe and Africa of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA,) by promoting small-scale agricultural and agro-ecological models.
Problems to solve
Today, both in Europe and in the South, agriculture is facing a new global crisis involving its relationship with society and with the nature and the role of farmers in the food chain. The externalities of food production are increasingly evident, starting from pesticides to the new agenda on climate change. Two different sides of the same problem concerning global society: the quality of food (in the North) and Food Security (in the South.) Farmers are experiencing a reduction in their autonomy as it increases their dependence on agro-food system.
While the majority proposals of modernization in agriculture provide for a greater industrialization of the sector in order to deal with this transition, examples from the field show that an alternative way of farming (i.e. organic, low input and agro-ecological) is more suitable for overcoming the crisis and ensuring Food Security and Sovereignty.
Objectives
Mobilizing an operative network between different actors for a successful implementation of the ITPGRFA through the promotion of ecological and family agriculture models both in EU food strategies and in cooperation policies in Africa.
Results to achieve
The dissemination and capitalization of good practices on family farming in African and European countries involved in the project
Setting up a pilot network for decentralized cooperation, which pays attention to education and agro-biodiversity issues, involving small farmers’ organizations, NGOs, civil society organizations, universities, local authorities and private actors from European and African countries involved in the project
Realizing an information campaign aimed at European citizens about the ITPGRFA in order to raise support for African farmers and be involved in programs of international cooperation
Promoting consistency with art #6 of the Treaty (sustainable use of genetic resources in agriculture and farmers’ rights) for EU policies on agriculture, commerce, education and development cooperation
Beneficiaries
Data synthesis
Partners
Other bodies involved
Red Andaluza de Semillas "Cultivando Biodiversidad"
Caracola del Centro de Ecología Social "Germinal", C.E.S. (antiguo C.I.R.) - Parque de San Jerónimo s/n. 41015 Sevilla (España)
Tfno. / Fax: 954 406 423. Correo-e: info@redandaluzadesemillas.org
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