This project attempts to showcase our desire to build relationships across collectives, and “benchmark” with other collectives how they’ve moved through conflict; because we know from our experience that conflict is inevitable in movement spaces, and want to get on the same page about how we can move through this conflict in a generative and sustainable way for long term change in the face of capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy, and ableism.



More info about us.


This project was developed by the QTBIPOC Cohort of the Young Farmers FRSAN Cultivemos project.


Want to add something? Submit medicine here

Cultivemos: QTBIPOC Collectives Zine


This project attempts to showcase our desire to build relationships across collectives, and “benchmark” with other collectives how they’ve moved through conflict; because we know from our experience that conflict is inevitable in movement spaces, and want to get on the same page about how we can move through this conflict in a generative and sustainable way for long term change in the face of capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy, and ableism.

What is Food Sovereignty?

The person who submitted this piece would like to remain anonymous.



"Food Sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems."

La Via Campesina - This global peasant movement, unites people to fight injustice in the food system. By fighting for women’s rights and against land grabs and the spread of GMOs, La Via Campesina have defined the struggle for food sovereignty.


FOOD SECURITY IS A GOAL WHILE FOOD SOVEREIGNTY DESCRIBES HOW TO GET THERE. THEY DIFFER IN SOME KEY WAYS.


Food sovereignty is rooted in grassroots food movements.

Food sovereignty highlights the need for a democratic food system, one that involves inputs from citizens as well as producers.

Food security is concerned with the protection and distribution of existing food systems.


SEVEN PILLARS OF FOOD SOVEREIGNTY

The first six pillars were developed at the International Forum for Food Sovereignty in Nyéléni (link is external), Mali, in 2007.  The seventh pillar – Food is Sacred - was added by members of the Indigenous Circle during the People’s Food Policy process.


1. FOCUSES ON FOOD FOR PEOPLE

Puts people’s need for food at the centre of policies

Insists that food is more than just a commodity



2. BUILDS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Builds on traditional knowledge

Uses research to support and pass this knowledge to future generations

Rejects technologies that undermine or contaminate local food systems



3. WORKS WITH NATURE

Optimizes the contributions of ecosystems

Improves resilience



4. VALUES FOOD PROVIDERS

Supports sustainable livelihoods

Respects the work of all food providers



5. LOCALIZES FOOD SYSTEMS

Reduces distance between food providers and consumers

Rejects dumping and inappropriate food aid

Resists dependency on remote and unaccountable corporations



6. PUTS CONTROL LOCALLY

Places control in the hands of local food providers

Recognizes the need to inhabit and to share territories

Rejects the privatization of natural resources



7. FOOD IS SACRED

Recognizes that food is a gift of life, and not to be squandered

Asserts that food cannot  be commodified