A Farmer's Charter
As a farmer I commit myself to:
- 1. Produce food to the highest standards of taste and nutrition
- 2. Use sustainable farming methods to improve biodiversity, ensure healthy
- livestock and care for the soil
- 3. Make decisions on the basis of openness and honesty
I believe that technological developments need to include the following conditions:
- 1. The owners of technology must not be allowed to use it to control farmers
- 2. The balance of nature must be respected
I recognize that:
- 1. The relationship between farmers, consumers and agro-business must be established on a basis of giving a proper return for all in the food chain while meeting the needs of humanity
- 2. Each country ought, as far as possible, source its food close to the point of production
- 3. Exports at prices other than those of fair competition prevent balanced development of markets, and are very damaging to farmers in developing countries
- 4. Farmers earning a decent living will be better placed to effectively meet the nutritional needs of humanity
I affirm that:
- 1. Agriculture is central to the vitality of rural life
- 2. An economy geared to the needs of people will give greater priority to agriculture resulting in it becoming a growing and more stable source of employment
- 3. We need to seek a long-term vision for agriculture which embraces issues which go well beyond the farming world
I am convinced that a stable and economically viable food policy will become a major tool for peace in the world.