A GREEN FARM NETWORK FOR EUROPE?

Background

This draft proposal suggests the setting up of a Europe-wide network of small-scale food producers and rural businesses. It would be open to organisations and individuals committed to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the countryside. It would:

• Provide training, a market place and support for the development of products and services that would make smaller enterprises viable while contributing to the current and future welfare of those that live in rural communities;
• Assist in the development of sustainable food policies that cover such issues as nutrition, safety and access;
• Promote increased interest between producer and consumer through awareness-raising programmes, farmers markets etc;
• Promote diversification into eco-tourism, bio-energy production and other forms of small-scale sustainable industries.

Global trends affecting the production of food and other commodities have put pressure on small, rural businesses that traditionally survived by meeting local needs. The rapid centralisation of markets and increasing monopoly over production and retail of goods by fewer and larger businesses has challenged the economic viability of small-scale goods and services produced in the countryside. Intensive agriculture is having a major impact on the rural environment and smaller villages and towns struggle to maintain their historic community values. The increasing concern about food security is not reflected in policies covering such issues as nutrition or food access.

However, there are factors that could provide new opportunities for rural communities. Governments are legislating for the protection of the countryside, locally produced healthy food is attracting new interest, while specialist goods and services are in demand from consumers that are looking beyond mass markets. Education and health authorities have a new interest in purchasing food that is healthy and nutritious from local markets. Projects have been set up to train young people in traditional rural skills, or to grow and sell organic food, encourage eco-tourism and create alternative energy. Organisations in every European country are helping to restore the viability of the countryside through these innovative projects.

International, National and Local Examples

On an international level, the European Centre for Ecological Agriculture and Tourism (ECEAT - www.eceat.org) promotes sustainable small-scale, environmental tourism in rural Europe . ECEAT develops and promotes tourism that supports organic agriculture, sustainable land use, nature and environmental protection, rural development and the protection of cultural heritage and landscapes. ECEAT directly encourages organic farmers, traditional farmers and smallholders to maintain their natural and cultural landscapes. ECEAT-Poland supports a network of 100, mainly organic, farmers who welcome tourists.

On a national level, Food Links UK (www.foodlinks-uk.org) is a ne twork of organisations active in supporting the local food sector and working towards fairer, healthier more sustainable local food systems. It aims to influence policy on behalf of the local food sector as well as developing projects and linking members through information exchange. It has set up a web site with examples of projects and links for hospitals, schools and interested groups to source local food.

On a local level, the Green Network of Vojvodina in Serbia has set up ‘My Farm' to promote organic production and agro-bio tourism as well as campaigning against genetically modified food. Among the long term aims of this project is the promotion of the region's traditional way of farm life and the introduction of renewable energy. Visits to a designated farm could include lessons in horse-shoeing and traditional rural crafts. In the UK , West DEN has undertaken a series of projects to develop the supply of locally-produced, nutritious food while working closely with health and other authorities.

Creating the Link

A European Green Farm Network could provide a link between organisations such as these while helping to set up new enterprises and projects. It would work with partners to influence policy in support of small-scale rural enterprise while promoting sustainable products and services. An initial programme would:

• Create an advisory group of experts, policy makers and practitioners;
• Set up a membership of organisations working at all levels to promote practice and policy on sustainable land-use;
• Promote policy on issues such as food security, nutrition and poverty;
• Set up a website with links to related organisations and projects and a market place for goods and services;
• Set up and co-ordinate a programme of training, seminars and exchanges;
• Promote links between similar organisations for joint projects and a range of activities.

The administration of a European Green Farm Network would involve minimal resources but the potential impact is huge.