23 organizations and 250 citizens took to the streets of Brussels today to advocate for resilient and socially just food systems. The Good Food Good Farming alliance organized the demonstration and wants to encourage EU politicians to fulfill the promises of the Green Deal. Belgium, which will hold the presidency of the European Council from January 2024, must ensure that the promises to make the agricultural and food system more sustainable are effectively achieved.
Farmers, climate activists, civil society organizations and citizens gathered early in the morning of November 9 on Luxembourg Square under the motto ‘We cannot eat promises’. After speeches and handing over hundreds of letters from citizens to MEPs, participants walked past the European Parliament and agro-industrial giants such as BASF and Bayer.
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
The demonstrators demand a future in which politicians put the interests of citizens and farmers above those of the agro-industry. It should no longer be possible for the lobbying activities of giants such as Copa-Cogeca and Syngenta to block regulations that are vital to the transformation of our food systems.
“As farmers, we are experiencing an acceleration of the climate crisis and the economic crisis. We need ambitious European policies that enable the transition of food systems, support agroecology and support small and medium-sized farms. Only then will the farmer be able to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” says Mathieu Courgeau of the Confédération Paysanne, farmer and member of ECVC (European Coordination Via Campesina).
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
High expectations have rightly been set in the ‘Farm to fork’ strategy, which should make the European agricultural and food system more sustainable. However, the most important points of this strategy have not yet been achieved. “Belgium, which will hold the presidency of the European Council from January 2024, must ensure that the ‘Farm to fork’ strategy does not become an empty box. Legislation such as the Pesticide Regulation and the Framework Law on Sustainable Food Systems must respond to the challenges and be adopted as quickly as possible,” warns Eléonore Barrelet, coordinator of Agroecology in Action.
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Photo: Good Food Good Farming alliance
Members of the Good Food Good Farming alliance include:
Agroecology in Action, Greenpeace Belgium, CNCD-11.11.11, Coalition Climat, Humundi, Canopea, FIAN Belgique, Autre Terre, Iles de Paix, Mouvement d’Action Paysanne (MAP), ULB-Coopération, Natagora, Bond Beter Leefmilieu, Food Anders, Voedingsteams vzw
Tags: organizations demonstrate Brussels fair food systems eat promises
