MANIFESTO

A transition to local systems throughout the world will reduce food miles by
shortening transport chains and reduce the “energy backpack” of food in terms
of packaging, refrigeration, storage, and processing.
4. Biodiversity Reduces Vulnerability and Increases Resilience.
Biodiversity is the basis of food security. Biodiversity is also the basis for
ecological and organic farming because it provides alternatives to fossil fuel and
chemical inputs. It also increases resilience to climate change by returning more
carbon to the soil, improving the soil’s ability to withstand drought, floods, and
erosion. Biodiversity is the only natural insurance for society’s future adaptation
and evolution. Increasing genetic and cultural diversity in food systems, and
maintaining this biodiversity in the commons are vital adaptation strategies
responding to challenges of climate change.
5. Genetically Modified Seeds and Breeds: a False Solution and Dangerous
Diversion
Genetically modified crops are a false solution and a dangerous diversion from
our task of mitigating climate change, running counter to providing sustainable
food and energy and to conserving resources. GM food, fibre, and fuels
aggravate all the shortcomings of industrial monoculture crops: more genetic
uniformity and hence less resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses; and more
demand for water and pesticides. They have been created on the basis of a
discredited and obsolete genetic determinist paradigm and thus carry extra risks
to health and the environment. They also lead to patent monopolies which not
only undermine farmers’ rights but also impede the dedication of research on
biodiversity for adaptation to climate change.
6. Industrial Agrofuels: A False Solution and New Threat to Food Security
Food is the most basic of human needs and sustainable agriculture must be
based on food first policies. Industrial agrofuels are non-sustainable and spread
genetically modified organisms by stealth.
Agrofuel plantations are aggravating the problem of climate change by
destroying and replacing rain forests with soy, palm oil, and sugar cane
plantations. This has led to an unparalleled land grab of indigenous and rural
communities.