During the press conference held today at the Slow Food stand at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, the presidents of FederBio , Legambiente and Slow Food Italia outlined a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for the future of agriculture. Barbara Nappini , president of Slow Food Italia, Maria Grazia Mammuccini , president of FederBio, and Stefano Ciafani , president of Legambiente, placed the most urgent issues related to environmental sustainability and social justice in agriculture at the center of the debate. Italy, like much of the world, is faced with complex and interconnected challenges. The agricultural sector, the beating heart of our economy and culture, is now at the center of a global reflection that aims to redefine the development model, focusing on sustainability, respect for the environment and human health. The appeal is loud and clear: it is time to change course.
In the opinion of the three associations, agriculture must become a driver of social, cultural and environmental transformation, protecting biodiversity, regenerating soils and restoring value and dignity to farmers and breeders who, through sustainable practices, will have to provide increasingly healthy and environmentally friendly food. To achieve these goals, FederBio, Legambiente and Slow Food Italia have developed a road map in 6 YES . Six concrete proposals addressed to the Italian government and international partners present at the G7, for a new agriculture, more just and sustainable.
Yes to agroecology, no to intensive agriculture
In recent decades, intensive agriculture has compromised biodiversity and soil fertility, creating a model that can no longer support future needs. It is necessary to promote the transition to agroecology, of which organic represents the most advanced and concrete expression. Agroecology not only reduces the use of pesticides, but also ensures greater resilience to climate change, protection of biodiversity and combating intensive practices. At the G7, we ask to adopt binding measures to ban glyphosate, drastically reduce dependence on pesticides and promote virtuous agricultural practices that protect ecosystems, increase soil fertility and safeguard citizens' health.
Yes to organic farming, no to pesticides and GMOs
Organic farming represents a model of environmental, economic and social sustainability essential to reduce negative impacts on natural resources and increase ecosystem services. It is essential to support organic producers, ensuring their access to the market and support policies. Agricultural production cannot be based on intensive methods, the use of pesticides or the use of GMOs, which compromise the health of citizens and biodiversity. Ensuring traceability along the supply chain to protect consumers and the environment is essential.
Yes to those who breed with respect for animals and the land, no to industrial livestock farming
It is urgent to incentivize those who practice sustainable breeding, capable of guaranteeing animal welfare and respecting ecosystems, as the organic method teaches, saying enough to industrial approaches, promoting sustainable livestock models, reducing livestock density and safeguarding air, water and soil. Reducing meat production and consumption and allocating public resources to support companies that focus on virtuous models is essential.
Yes to food education in all schools, no to ultra-processed foods
A change of direction in food education for the youngest is urgently needed. The introduction of food education in schools must become a priority to raise awareness among the new generations on the value of food and its origin, conveying the culture of respect for the environment and for one's body. A fundamental step towards promoting balanced diets and reducing waste.
Yes to reducing food waste, no to the throwaway culture
In Italy alone, millions of tons of food are wasted every year, while millions of people still suffer from food insecurity. It is essential to implement policies that promote the reduction of waste throughout the food supply chain. We propose to promote incentives for companies that adopt circular economy models, encouraging the recovery of unsold food and the redistribution of food surpluses.
Yes to the fight against gangmastering, agromafias and the defense of workers' rights, no to social injustices
It is essential to make a strong and relentless commitment to fighting against agro-mafias and gangmastering, guaranteeing the defense of workers' rights in the agricultural sector. This commitment must translate into concrete policies that protect those who work the land, ensuring dignity and social justice for everyone. Only in this way will we be able to build a fair and sustainable agricultural system, in which every person has access to dignified working conditions.
"At the G7 - said Stefano Ciafani, president of Legambiente - we are asking for an unprecedented commitment to agriculture and the future of the Planet. We need to abandon harmful agricultural practices, choosing sustainable models that respect not only biodiversity, but also the health of soils and waters, and it needs to be done now. Agriculture must become a driver of innovation, capable of regenerating the territory and responding to current climate challenges. We must build an agricultural system that values those who produce food and recognizes their fundamental role in ensuring food security. The adoption of fair agricultural policies must also include a strong ethical appeal, so that the fight against illegality and respect for workers' rights become a priority for the agricultural system of the Planet, ensuring social justice and dignity for those who work the land. The G7 must prove to be up to the challenge we face.”
"There is no more time for partial solutions: the future of agriculture and our planet requires immediate and coordinated action – underlined Maria Grazia Mammuccini, President of FederBio . With Slow Food and Legambiente we therefore forcefully ask the international leaders of the G7 Agriculture to profoundly rethink the agri-food model. We cannot afford to continue with intensive agriculture, which has generated devastating impacts on the environment and biodiversity. We must act now and support farmers in the change. We must invest decisively in the agroecological transition, of which organic represents the most advanced point of environmental, economic and social sustainability. Organic agriculture is the key: a tool to overcome climate, food and biodiversity loss challenges. It is a sustainable, fair and resilient model, capable of regenerating the soil, protecting ecosystems, mitigating climate impacts and which can offer better income prospects to farmers by focusing on the "fair price" and strengthening relationships between producers, citizens and local communities."
“While the G7 is taking place in Syracuse, in Turin at Terra Madre we are sharing the testimonies of thousands of producers who embody a new model of agriculture all over the world,” highlights Barbara Nappini, President of Slow Food Italy . “The future is already here. We must abandon the logic based only on profit and adopt a “bio-logical” perspective, a logic centered on life, which allows us to perceive ourselves as part of Nature, which protects biodiversity, soil fertility, natural resources: the only riches truly capable of saving us. In the process of changing the paradigm, food education is central, which we ask, in particular the Italian Government, to include as a curricular subject for all students in schools of all levels. Finally, we believe that it is essential to establish the right of all peoples to determine their own food and agricultural policies: food sovereignty. This is what we urge the world leaders present in Syracuse.”
