What's Happening?
Francesco Sottile, a member of the Slow Food Board of Directors and Professor of Biodiversity and Quality in Food Systems at the University of Palermo, addressed the UN Assembly of Peoples in Perugia, Italy, emphasizing the need for Europe to adopt a pact
for food and agriculture. Sottile advocates for recognizing land as a common good and enhancing biological, cultural, and food diversity. He argues that agriculture should be seen not just as an economic activity but as a culture of peace, where every seed planted is an act of trust in nature and the future. Sottile highlights the importance of the Common Agricultural Policy, the 'Farm to Fork' strategy, and the Green Deal as instruments of civilization that aim to produce food without destroying the land or exploiting others.
Why It's Important?
The call to use agriculture as a tool for peace is significant in addressing the global cycle of hunger and conflict. Sottile points out that where there is hunger, war often arises, and vice versa. By placing food at the center of peace policies, Europe can foster a sentiment of peace through its internal policies and development strategies. This approach emphasizes respecting farmers, supporting rural communities, and defending the right to food as a fundamental human right. The initiative aims to break the cycle of using food as a weapon in war zones and promote agricultural cooperation with fragile countries, thereby sowing peace rather than imposing it.
What's Next?
Sottile's vision calls for Europe to invest in agricultural cooperation with vulnerable countries, teaching, sharing, and accompanying them in development. This involves listening to farmers, supporting rural communities, and defending biodiversity as a tool to strengthen social and environmental equity policies. The goal is to create a Europe that nourishes both in body and spirit, using land, labor, and bread as universal languages of dialogue and peace. The next steps involve implementing policies that prioritize these values and foster a sense of community and peace across Europe.
Beyond the Headlines
The deeper implications of Sottile's call to action involve redefining agricultural policies as choices for peace. This perspective challenges traditional views of agriculture as merely economic and encourages a holistic approach that integrates social justice, environmental sustainability, and community building. By focusing on biodiversity and equitable food distribution, Europe can lead by example in creating a sustainable and peaceful future.
