IFAP Mediterranean Farmers

Defining a common Mediterranean identity

Antalya, 30 November 2005 – Governments were not successful in re-launching a meaningful partnership in agriculture in the Mediterranean when they met in Barcelona, but farmers are taking up the challenge. In a study launched by IFAP on the occasion of the 9th Session of the Mediterranean Farmers’ Committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP), held in Antalya on 28-29 November, farmers said that they are unwilling to accept the EMAA (the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement) which favours agriculture in one part of the Mediterranean over another. This study called “Sustainable agricultures in the Mediterranean basin: constraints and perspectives” will contribute to better identify farmers’ needs and to draw strategies to face the free trade euro-med agreement in 2010.  

The study shows that most farmers lack information about the Euro-Med Partnership Agreement. The study is very clear about the problems that farmers face on national food markets and with international competition. Markets are not well structured and farmers do not have enough power of negotiation.  This leads to a drop in farmers’ incomes.  “I believe that this issue of the Mediterranean is one of the most challenging. It is a region of huge potential, but governments have to facilitate its development and make sure that markets work for farmers” said the IFAP President Jack Wilkinson. Conducted over the last two years by the IFAP in collaboration with CIHEAM, this study is a unique portrait of agricultures in the Mediterranean and will serve as base to build stronger awareness and better partnership.

The meeting was also the occasion for farm leaders to reaffirm the need for a common identity with the establishment of a Mediterranean label. Under the theme “The Barcelona Process: ten years later”, participants also discussed strategies for strengthening the capacities of farmers’ organisations from Southern and Eastern Mediterranean; the Euro-Mediterranean policy and partnership; European Union institutions; trade negotiations; collaboration between researchers and farmers; as well as enhancing the quality identification of the Mediterranean products. The event was hosted by the Union of Turkish Chambers of Agriculture (TZOB). The Committee elected a new Chairman, Guy Giva (France), and four vice-chairs: Cherif Ould Hocine (Algeria), Alican Kabakci (Cyprus), Francesco Serra Carraciolo (Italy), and Mabrouk Bahri (Tunisia).

Note: Summary of the IFAP Study “Sustainable agricultures around the Mediterranean basin: obstacles and futur prospects ”. 2005. 30 pages.

IFAP Mediterranean Committee: The Committee advocates the strengthening of regional integration between the countries of Southern Europe, North Africa and Middle East. It particularly supports an integrated approach to Mediterranean agriculture aimed at sustainable development and the establishment of a coherent policy. Member Countries: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Tunisia and Turkey.