Press Releases

37th World Farmers’ Congress of IFAP

 World Farmers’ Charter establishing fundamental principles for farmers adopted in Seoul

Seoul, 19 May 2006 – A World Farmers’ Charter was adopted by the 37th Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) today.  With this Charter, farmers from all over the world call on national governments, donor agencies, international institutions and other stakeholders to join them in recognising the 10 fundamental principles for farmers throughout the world, and in a spirit of solidarity work together to implement these principles.

The Charter underlines 10 fundamental principles farmers want to be recognized. They are:

• Recognize the importance of agriculture and the central role of farmers.
• Involve farmers’ organisations as essential partners.
• Create opportunities for farmers to earn a fair income.
• Provide equal treatment for rural communities and urban areas.
• Promote diversity and sustainability in agriculture.
• Eliminate hunger, malnutrition and rural poverty.
• Establish fair and equitable rules for agricultural trade.
• Balance power in the agri-food chain, and ensure that markets work competitively.
• Address the special needs of women farmers and young farmers.
• Promote international cooperation.

This Charter has been proposed by the Korean agricultural organisation member of IFAP, the NACF, also host of the 37th Congress.  “The adoption of the World Farmers’ Charter embodies the desire of farmers around the world for the co-existence of diverse forms of farming in all nations, and the fair recognition of agriculture, rural communities and farmers,” said the CEO, Planning & Coordination, of NACF Mr. Dong Hae Kim.

“With this Charter adopted in Seoul today, the IFAP and its 115 national farmers’ organisations from 80 countries, will now promote these 10 principles around the world each time they will have the occasion to speak on behalf of the farming community, ”said the IFAP President Jack Wilkinson. “Decison makers have to listen to farmers and take actions. Worldwide farmers of IFAP are commited to work closely with them to have these principles fully recognized while fullfilling their duties of food producers and steward of the land.”