By Mia Mancini and Pauline Naterstad
October has come to a close, and with it, another year of European Days of Action! From farmers to activists, consumers to citizens, hundreds came together to celebrate food and farming—and demand political change. With 64 events in 25 countries, we’ve raised our collective voice to highlight some critical EU negotiations next year: the EU budget, also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework and the upcoming Common Agricultural Policy. Mia Mancini and Pauline Naterstad tell us more.
The proposals made by the EU next year will shape the future of food. It will show whether the EU commits to funding the agricultural transition necessary for just, sustainable food systems or continues supporting an outdated model that prioritizes large-scale industrial agriculture. Amaury Ghijselings from CNCD -11.11.11. adds: “We need EU leaders to take strong action to regulate prices and production. This will help ensure farmers earn a fair income, support the agroecological transition, and reduce the cheap exports that hurt small farmers in the Global South.”
What is Good Food Good Farming?
Good Food Good Farming (GFGF) is a diverse alliance of civil society groups that campaigns for sustainable food and farming across Europe since 2012. We unite local, national, and EU-level organizations to pressure decision-makers into transforming EU food and farming policies. From advocating for ambitious reforms to the CAP to pushing for the phase-out of pesticides, GFGF is actively engaged in a wide range of issues related to food and farming.
The European Days of Action has been the hallmark campaign of the #GoodFoodGoodFarming movement for the past 7 years and is a month filled with decentrally organized events. They take place every October and provide a platform for citizens and organizations—large and small—to join the movement.
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A variety of events supporting a shared goal
The events across Europe this year showcased the collective call for politicians to #FundOurFuture and fix our broken food systems. Farm visits in Spain and Malta facilitated mutual learning and dialogue between local communities and farmers. Child-friendly gatherings in Czech Republic and Hungary introduced a new generation to sustainable food systems. Hands-on workshops in Ireland and Switzerland presented current farmers with invaluable agroecological methods. The campaign and its diverse actions amplify voices from across the continent and demand the attention of EU decision-makers.
What happened during the GFGF action days? A closer look at three events
Agro-Ecological Water Days by Solidagro
With both drought and flooding becoming increasingly frequent due to the effects of climate change, effective management of water is critical to the future of European food sovereignty. Intended for a diverse audience from conscious vegetable gardeners to concerned policymakers & proactive farmers, Solidagro hosted the Agro-Ecological Water Days in Belgium, featuring prominent speakers such as Mark Shepard and Jan van Bogaert.
Managing Hedgerows in Nature by Hedgerows Ireland
Hedgerows play a critical role in safeguarding healthy ecosystems around agriculture, such as: helping to prevent soil erosion; providing habitat for insects; and limiting pollution from infiltrating groundwater systems. It is therefore crucial to share this knowledge with farmers so that they can better manage hedgerows on their land, and be a friendlier neighbour to surrounding wildlife.
Youth & Agroecology Seminar by University of Coimbra
What role will the next generations play in the future of our food systems? What stops young people from going into farming? How can we encourage generational renewal in agriculture? These are questions that the Youth & Agroecology Seminar at the University of Coimbra sought to answer. Featuring an expert panel that included Good Food Good Farming’s Mia Mancini, the event connected farmers, academics and concerned citizens to discuss the perspective of youth in agriculture across Europe.
Stirring Up Change: A Collective Cookbook for a Better Food Future
During the events, people were encouraged to take part in the participatory action of creating a collective cookbook called ‘Recipes for Change’. With the help of an info poster about the CAP, outlining what’s currently wrong with it, who’s blocking necessary reforms, and how it could be more transformative in the future, participants were invited to fill out their own recipe for better and more just food systems.
The next step for Good Food Good Farming is to compile the recipes from the Days of Action into the book and deliver it to the European Commission in Spring 2025—just in time for politicians to consider our demands for the upcoming EU proposals.
The message from the European Days of Action is clear: Do not reduce the agricultural budget! Stop favouring industrial farming giants, strengthen the market regulations embedded in the CAP and ensure funds for a just agroecological transition. We need adequate support for our farmers! #FundOurFuture
More
Vote For The Future: Good Food Good Farming Campaign Culminates in Brussels Demonstration
We Can’t Eat Promises! Good Food Good Farming month culminates in Brussels protest
Good Food Good Farming | People Across Europe Demand Better Food Systems!
European Action Days 2021 – Good Food Good Farming on the Ground
