A Basic Human right - the Right for Food!
By barehugs
@barehugs (8973)
Canada
August 31, 2008 8:32pm CST
The current world food crises does not ensue from a natural disaster, or from unpredictable events. It is the result of an inequitable economic system which considers the private interest of Companies, before the public interests of Populations. During the 1980's when Cereal Markets were deregulated by the World Bank, United States and the European Economic Union systematically destroyed the farming communities, and destabilized the Agricultural industries of several developing countries in Africa, and Asia. These measures and several other, led the farmer-producers into bankruptcy. Malawi and Zimbabwe were previously countries with cereal surpluses, and Rwanda was practically self sufficient in food until 1990, the year that the International Monetary Fund ordered the US. and the EU. cereal surpluses onto their internal market, which drove their local Farmers into bankruptcy. In other developing countries around the world structural adjustments made under the World Bank and the IMF- clearly led to disappearance of food security which caused these countries to become dependent on the World Market.Powerful countries continue to dominate with tools like the World Bank, the IMF, and even worse, the World Trade Organization. We as North Americans should continue to fight the unbridled Capitalism which leads to such Crisis. Before the freedom of Companies there is the freedom of all men and women in the world, and this freedom is set in fundamental rights such as the Right for Food.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
3 Sep 08
Yes, here in Canada, just like the gov't telling us farmers that the 'family farm' is outdated and we need to specialize and get bigger to make any profits. When, in fact, it simply undermined our ability to have enough votes to make ANY difference in the elected officials. Since the crop farmers were buying up all the family farms, then more land was owned by less individuals. Therefore, less farmers to vote for any change.
We are now stuck running factory farms, and being told that to have profit, we must get even bigger. So, in order to get bigger populations, without the animals getting sick, they add antibiotics to the food or water to prevent it. Making antibiotics useless by the bacteria becoming immune due to overuse. Just ridiculous.
I am involved in a movement in favour of the return of the family farm. Where antibiotics are not routinely used, unless an animal is actually sick, and we raise more than just one product for consumption.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
4 Sep 08
I know what you are saying, Annie! It appears that Family Farms are disappearing, but have you noticed how people are moving out of the suburbs, and starting up small market gardens? These are small family farms getting started. It may take a generation or two but you can be certain the family farm is here to stay. I live on a farm that has been in the family since 1905. My son lives here, and my Grandson will one day be the owner-operator. Never fear for the Family farm! Its the closest thing to heaven, there is on Earth!
1 person likes this
@AnnieOakley1 (5596)
• Canada
4 Sep 08
Yes, here, there have been a number of groups organizing called, "Buy Local", "Homegrown Ontario" and the 100 mile diet.
I think we are turning it around and the family farm is on it's return swing.
You are right there, barehugs. With the physical exercise, fresh air, sunshine, good healthy food, the family farm is a slice of heaven.
1 person likes this
@bubblyapple (2653)
• Philippines
1 Sep 08
This may be a basic human right but with the way the world is going, this seems to be not true. Just look at the countries whose governments are not able to support their poor. Their poor people are dying of hunger and a lot of them are suffering. One cannot say that it is entirely the government's fault nor could they say that it is the individual's fault. I believe that it is a combination of both.
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