Feature story - 8 April, 2002
Farming Solutions is a new web site that shows how the world can combat hunger and achieve food security using environmentally-sound farming practises that are available now, but are too-often overlooked.
Traditional farming methods support biodiversity.
Farming Solutions
is a website jointly created by Greenpeace, Oxfam and ILEIA. It
demonstrates how food security and sustainable livelihoods can be
achieved across the globe by innovative and environmentally
responsible farming systems. The site shows how today's farmers can
encourage biodiversity, retain a rich, natural soil base, maintain
clean water and foster human health.
Change must happen on a global level. Using about 70 examples
drawn from every region of the world, the site shows that
sustainable farming systems are not a luxury. Rather, they are the
most effective means to combat hunger. Nutritious, high-yielding
crops that often control pests through natural means are already
being produced. But lack of political will and the influence of the
powerful agro-chemical industry means these preferred solutions
have been neglected. This, even though these practises are directly
relevant to resolving many of the problems of hunger and food
security.
The site provides factual information about world hunger, the
crisis in food production and the future of agriculture. It offers
key data for every country in the world and provides links to
related sites and sources.
Farming Solutions encourages debate on changing agricultural
practices in both South and North to protect the environment and
increase crop yield. Farmers are encouraged to present their
problems and solutions on the website, offering an opportunity to
share their hands-on experience. Scientists, consumers and
regulators are also invited to share their observations and
opinions. Greenpeace, Oxfam and ILEIA are using the site to give
experts and consumers an opportunity to take part in a discussion
that affects us all.
Farming Solutions
website