The 12th AFA Execom meeting held in Seoul, Korea on Sept. 9-15, 2005 was a very productive event for AFA as they were able to strengthen relations with Korean farmers, clarify organizational issues and enhance the regional projection of AFA as a farmers’ organization.
The activities included participation in the Second Commemoration of the Martyrdom of Lee Kyung Hae, Field visits to Korean Farmers, visits and dialogue with KAFF, review of AFA proposals and projects and drafting of plans for the Hongkong Ministerial and AFA general Assembly.
AFA participated in the commemoration activities by joining the rally of Korean Farmers in Youido where AFA Chairperson Heru Wardoyo presented a Solidarity Message. AFA was also invited in the ceremony at the Martyrium in LHK’s hometown in Jeollabuk-do, Korea
The visits to Korean farms was an eye-opener on the effects of WTO to small farmers when economic and agricultural policies ran counter to the needs of the farmers and sustainable agriculture
Lee Jin Hyeong, a pear fruit farmer and a leisure farm operator is suffering heavy losses due to influx of cheap fruit imports.
After near collapse of his organic farm because of the Korean IMF liberalization package, Han Kyung Hee is now trying to rebuild it by farming and selling miniature organic vegetables.
The dialogue with KAFF also provided a clearer understanding of its goals and projects and further inspired the farmer leaders to emulate the successes of KAF in their home countries.
The Execom meeting clarified several organizational issues and drafted plans for the upcoming Hongkong Ministereal and the AFA General Assembly
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