Why do we need the Agroecology Declaration? We have set ourselves a significant challenge. As part of the Agro-Perma-Lab 2019 project, we are starting work on the Agroecology Declaration. Although several declarations and positions on agroecology have been created worldwide, we would like this document to be tailored to the Polish context and shared by all the communities that work towards a coherent vision of agriculture, food policy, the natural environment, and climate.
Agroecology is becoming an increasingly recognized concept worldwide, with a set of practices that can provide answers to climate change, hunger, and social inequalities. It is discussed by grassroots organizations, peasant movements worldwide, local and international civil society organizations, and the FAO, which has officially recognized agroecology as one of the most important paths for agriculture and food policies globally.
The most important aspect of the contemporary agroecological concept is its multidimensionality and integrity. It combines agricultural practices, political, social, and economic demands, science, and tradition. It represents a proposal for radical transformation (social, economic, in production, etc.) and the realization of the concept of food sovereignty in practice.
Unfortunately, agroecology is often discussed by those who promote the concept of so-called sustainable intensification or climate-friendly agriculture. These concepts do not propose transformation or radical changes but merely practices that adapt to the dominant industrial model of agriculture and food systems. In these concepts, the most important factors are still scale efficiency, low prices, production speed, and ease, rather than the quality of food or genuine care for the environment and humanity. The paradigm remains the same; only some methods change.
Therefore, we want to clarify the type of agroecology we are referring to, and our voice should reflect the spirit of the most grassroots agroecological concepts developed by food producers from around the world. We have built agroecology through many initiatives and struggles. We have the right to further develop it in the future. Decision-makers must not shape it without us. They must respect and support our agroecological processes, rather than continuing to support the forces that harm us. We appeal to all people of goodwill to join us in the collective task of co-creating Agroecology as part of the popular movement to build a better world, a world based on mutual respect, social justice, equality, solidarity, and harmony with our Mother Earth (from the Declaration adopted by the International Forum on Agroecology).
We also want, when the time comes in Poland, for agroecology to be part of public debate and legislation, to be able to present our definition of agroecology to decision-makers. A definition adopted by a broad community of farmers, activists, and practitioners.
Work on the Declaration
Currently, based on extensive literature, scientific research, reports, documents, and positions of various institutions, we are working on the fundamental text of the Declaration. The first consultations on its content will take place in October during the Agroecology Leadership Training in Poland – Agro Perma Lab.
The next step will be to consult the text (with changes made during the training) with experts in the field of agriculture (organic, regenerative (soil), agroforestry, permaculture), food policy, advocacy, economics, global processes, biodiversity, and environmental protection.
Then the text of the position will be subject to broader consultations: during the II National Forum on Food Sovereignty, where representatives of many agricultural and social organizations, practitioners, and scientists will meet, as well as during “Dobre Żniwa” – a seminar for organic farmers – and through online consultations.
The process of consultations, both expert and social, will be carried out in cooperation with the Żywa Ziemia Coalition.
We hope that in the first half of 2020, we will have our shared Polish Declaration of Agroecology.