
The Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA), of which Friends of the Earth is a signatory, has just released its first media release, calling on all political parties to take a democratic approach in the formulation of national food policy, and not simply consult with the largest corporate and agribusiness interests.
A letter to politicians, with over 80 signatories has been sent to the Labor Party, Liberals and Greens. The text of a press release is below, and the full text of the letter with signatories can be viewed online at http://foodsovereigntyalliance.org, as can a pdf version of the media release – please feel free to distribute.
You can add your organisation as a signatory by emailing info@foodsovereigntyalliance.org.
AUSTRALIA NEEDS A DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL FOOD POLICY
An alliance of small businesses, family farmers, social enterprises, community organisations, and individuals working in food related areas has called upon Australia’s political parties to include them in the development of the proposed national policy on food.
The proposed policy was recently announced by federal Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke MP. The idea of a national policy on Australia’s food has been prompted and supported by major food corporations and agribusiness.
“With food and agriculture fundamental to the well-being of every Australian, smaller organisations, businesses and individuals should have a say in how policy is made in this vital area”, said Robert Pekin, co-founder of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA).
In a letter sent today to Tony Burke MP, the Opposition and the Greens, the AFSA calls for a participatory, inclusive process to formulate a national food policy. Inthe few days since it was circulated, the letter has received more than 80 group and individual signatories, including leading community food initiatives, social enterprises, family farmers and academics from across the country.
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