Small Farmers, Big Change

“The best way to protect jobs and livelihoods, ensure people’s food security and health, and protect the environment is to keep food production in the hands of small-scale farmers.” - Via Campesina, an international farmers’ organization

We've talked about the Buy Local vs. Fair Trade debate. We've also talked about food miles. Well, pioneer Fair Trade company Equal Exchange has a campaign that creates a more green and just food system by utilizing both Local and Fair Trade. It's called "Small Farmers, Big Change" and it is creating  additional ways consumers and producers can join together to reduce our environmental footprints, conserve natural resources, and demand agriculture and trade policies that actually benefit small-scale farmers and consumers, instead of large corporations.

While 25 – 30% of the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming are estimated to come from the industrial agriculture sector, the sustainable farming practices of small-scale producers actually help cool the planet, protect the environment, and restore local eco-systems.  Organic farming, reforestation, soil and watershed protection, and the use of stoves that convert organic waste into methane gas are just some of the ways in which small-scale farmers are keeping our food, our bodies, and our eco-systems healthy.  By supporting small-scale farmers, we can bring justice to the food system and help reduce the effects of our changing climate.  It’s a win-win solution that benefits us all.

However, small-scale farmers face tremendous challenges.  Many of our agriculture and trade policies are designed to favor large agricultural corporations.  The subsidies, credits, and tax incentives the government awards to agribusiness dramatically undermine the ability of small farmers to compete in the marketplace.  Additionally, global warming causes changes in weather patterns which affect crops and crop cycles.  Unusual storms have become more frequent and severe, causing a loss of lives, homes, crops and livelihoods.

Their new campaign combines education, political action, and environmental and food security partnerships. Find out more about their campaign and also find out ways you can take action.

[Photo: Equal Exchange]