Via Campesina International is calling for this April 17th to be a global day of action and mobilisation in defense of farmers’ and peasants’ struggles, and particularly in defense of peasants' and farmers' seeds. Following this call, various initiatives will be taking place in Europe on the 17th or during the week, organized by the European Coordination Via Campesina members.
Media Advisory, Brussels, 14th April 2014 April 17th: International Day of Farmers' Struggles in defense of Peasants' and Farmers' Seeds Via Campesina International is calling for this April 17th to be a global day of action and mobilisation in defense of farmers’ and peasants’ struggles, and particularly in defense of peasants' and farmers' seeds. Following this call, various initiatives will be taking place in Europe on the 17th or during the week, organized by the European Coordination Via Campesina members. Here are some examples: - In Belgium, MAP with the network Resap are organising a day of mobilisation on the 17th of April with different activities, described in the following web and facebook pages: http://luttes-paysannes.be https://www.facebook.com/events/1468168260078485/ Photos and interviews opportunity. - In Switzerland, Uniterre plan to organize an action for Food Sovereignty: installation of a giant pumpkin on the plain and distribution of seeds; Press conference, debate, aperitif and distribution of pumpkin seeds. Info on : http://www.uniterre.ch/index.php/fr/home/83-info/journees-lutte-paysanne/748-17-avril-2014-journee-des-luttes-paysannes-a-geneve - In the United Kingdom The Landworkers’ Alliance are mobilising on the 17th of April in front of DEFRA to highlight the important role that small and medium scale farmers play. The videos of European Coordination Via Campesina on “Seeds” and on the “17th of April “ will be shown http://vimeo.com/90205435 ; http://vimeo.com/user10657240 These and many more initiatives from around the world are being mapped by Via Campesina International at: http://viacampesina.org/map/17april/map.html Via Campesina International is defending the agricultural model based on agroecological production as well as peasants' and farmers' seeds because they are essential to a comprehensive agrarian reform. The theme of seeds is particularly important for Europe, since on the 11th of March the European Parliament rejected the European Commissions' proposed regulation of the marketing of seeds (PRM), published in May 2013. This vote took place in the context of a Europe dominated by trade negotiations with the USA, known as TAFTA, and the European Parliament election campaign that will run until May 2014. Contact press Marzia Rezzin marzia.rezzin@eurovia.org
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