The participants of the Global Food Sufficiency Videoconference*, which took place in Manila (Philippines), Dakar (Senegal), Brasilia (Brazil), Washington (USA) and Brussels (Europe) on 29. April 2009, suggest working closely together towards:
1. Influencing agriculture policies in our regions (Common Agriculture and Rural Development Policy in the EU, US Farm Bill, etc.) so that farm gate prices and farm income will cover the real costs of food production which shall be based on climate friendly and sustainable farming practices
2. Pressing for global food policies which fulfil the human right to wholesome food for all achieve stability of food supply and markets and (through curbing speculation, managing supply, and the promotion of strategic food reserves)
3. Demanding increased investment in agriculture and rural development based on sustainability principles, (promoting multi-functionality and climate-friendly practices including conservation of biodiversity, soil fertility, water management as well as rebalancing plant, meat and renewable energy production and consumption)
4. Influencing agricultural trade policies so as to reinforce food sufficiency on a local and food sovereignty on a national level (promoting local and regional markets, curb dumping measures, prevent competition between food and agro-fuel production, work towards qualified market access imposing minimal social and environmental standards at imports); reventing competition between food and agro-fuel production and halt the expansion of large scale investment of export
5. Pressing for better competition rules so as to challenge the dominant position of international trade companies on global food markets, to strengthen farmers and consumers connections and organisations (improving local and regional food processing infrastructure, community farming, and food cooperatives)
6. Reinforcing the role of family farmers and especially the role of women so that they become central agents for policy reforms and food sufficiency strategies, supporting especially small-holders in keeping more added value from food production and consumption in disadvantaged and poor regions
7. Working on closer cooperation between rural and urban food sufficiency movements so that farmers and consumers can share fair food prices and better quality of food; this cooperation shall include education and exchange good practice so as to achieve wholesome nutrition habits especially of children and young people
8. Redesigning food aid so it cannot undermine food sufficiency strategies, local and regional markets; pressing for food waste reduction and energy saving
9. Pressing for a new research agenda which focuses on food sufficiency and sovereignty, strengthening farmers and local communities knowledge and capacity building in sustainable farming practices
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