2024-12-03 23:27:00
Activists from the Greenpeace organization have placed in National Archaeological Museum, in Madridas well as in Museum of Human Evolution (Burgos) and in Archaeological Museum of Almeríaa piece with text you can read into ‘Family farming dying out?‘, to denounce the disappearance of this agricultural model.
‘“family farming dying out?”
Thus, the pieces were placed on the walls of the aforementioned museums this Tuesday, December 3, some limestone slabs rock paintings representing a family of farmers and breeders who work the land.
The organization warns of the risk faced by family farming and reiterates that the “sustainability” of the rural surroundings and the future nutrition of the population depends on it.
With this action, the organization warns of the risk faced by family farming and reiterates that the “sustainability” of the rural environment and the future nutrition of the population depends on it.
Family and social farming represents 60% of Spanish agriculture
In this sense, we remember that family and social agriculture represents 60% of Spanish agriculture, according to data provided by Greenpeace in a statement, although it explains that it has decreased by 36% since 2007giving way to new “highly capitalized” agricultural production models that have no farmers.
Therefore, they ensure that this new model, which is concentrated in the hands of agricultural companiesimplies “social, economic and ethical problems” linked to the loss of rural jobs and the concentration of food production and distribution.
The ”mega agricultural companies”, which have doubled compared to 2007 and which, despite representing 7% of the total, already constitute half of the total economic production in 2021
Parallel to the agriculture defended by Greenpeace there are “mega farms”, which have doubled compared to 2007 and which, despite representing 7% of the total, already constitute half of total economic production in 2021.
Concentration of economic power in a few companies
“Which indicates a concentration of economic power in the hands of relatively few companies. A trend that is widespread across Europe It endangers the work of many families, small associations and cooperatives, the quality of our food and also constitutes a danger for the preservation of rural areas and the environment. As 2007 alone, these small farms have lost 287,000 jobs,” the NGO continues.
Greenpeace is calling for future Family farming Law to protect family and social farming and incorporate elements such as the creation of a public land bank to prevent “hoarding, concentration and speculation” of land, resources and food.
Family agricultural law
This is why Greenpeace calls for the future law on family farming to protect small family and social farming and incorporate elements such as the creation of a public land bank to prevent “hoarding, concentration and speculation” of land, resources and food; promote technical assistance and training with the figure of the agroecological dissemination agent, encourage the promotion of direct sales and provide incentives for those productions that implement agroecological practices.
“We believe in the staying power of our small-scale agriculture. we believe not only in its ability to resist but also in its ability to innovate and adapt, but we must support it as the context and the enemies are very powerful (…) It is urgent to ensure the survival of family and social agriculture and one of the tools to this end must be the law on family farming. We ask Minister Luis Planas to keep his promise and bring this law in defense of small production. “it is a matter of social and environmental justice to stop agro-industrial grabbing and investment funds.”said the head of sustainable food systems at Greenpeace spain, Helena Moreno, in a statement.
How can individuals support agricultural sustainability and local farming initiatives?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agricultural Sustainability Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to another engaging interview on Time.news! Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Torres, an expert in agricultural sustainability and the impact of modern practices on traditional farming. Dr. Torres,thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Elena Torres: Thank you for having me! its a pleasure to discuss such an crucial topic.
Editor: Recently, Greenpeace activists placed installations in notable museums in Spain, including the National Archaeological Museum in madrid, to draw attention to the alarming decline of family farming. Can you share your thoughts on the meaning of this action?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. By placing these installations in culturally meaningful locations, Greenpeace is effectively amplifying their message. Family farming is not just about growing food; it embodies cultural heritage, community ties, and lasting practices that have been passed down through generations. The decline of this model threatens not only our food systems but also our cultural identities.
Editor: The text displayed in these museums was titled “Family farming dying out?”—a powerful question. Why do you think family farming is facing such significant challenges in today’s world?
Dr. Torres: There are several factors at play. Industrial agriculture often prioritizes yield over sustainability, leading to the consolidation of farmland and the marginalization of small farmers. Additionally, climate change, urbanization, and economic pressures are pushing young farmers away from traditional practices. The question raised by Greenpeace is critical as if we lose family farms, we lose diversity in our food systems and the resilience that comes from local knowledge and practices.
Editor: That’s a sobering reality. What role do you think public awareness and activism, like that of Greenpeace, can play in reversing this trend?
Dr. Torres: Public awareness is key. Activism raises critical questions and brings issues to the forefront that might otherwise be overlooked. By engaging the public through art and installations in museums, Greenpeace is not just informing but also provoking thought and discussion. This can lead to increased support for policies that protect family farms, as well as consumer choices that prioritize local, sustainable produce.
Editor: You mentioned policies—what kinds of measures do you believe should be implemented to support family farming?
Dr. Torres: There are several avenues we can explore. First,governments should provide financial and technical support to family farms,ensuring they can compete with larger industrial farms. Secondly, educational programs can be initiated to recognize the value of traditional practices and incentivize young people to pursue farming. consumer habits must shift towards supporting local markets, which can create a viable economic model for family farms.
Editor: As a final thought, how can individuals contribute to the preservation of family farming in their communities?
Dr. Torres: Individuals can make a significant impact by supporting local farmers’ markets, choosing to buy seasonal and organic produce, and advocating for policies that protect small farms. Every little choice counts, and when combined, they can create considerable change.Engaging in discussions, sharing information about the importance of family farming, and even considering community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs can further strengthen this effort.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights today. The link between family farming and our sustainable future is clearer than ever, and I appreciate your time in explaining this vital issue.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. I hope our conversation inspires more people to take action for the future of family farming!
Editor: this has been a thought-provoking discussion, and we hope our audience will join us in the movement toward sustainable agricultural practices. stay tuned for more insightful interviews on Time.news!