Olena Borodina: "Agroecology and relocalization of food systems must be prioritized as solutions in the implementation of the FAO strategic framework 2022-31"

On May 11, 2022, Olena Borodina, representing the Civil Society, on behalf of Nyéléni Europe and Central Asia Food Sovereignty Network, addressed the 33rd session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe. Borodina spoke to the numerous crises and resulting struggles the Ukrainian people have endured, especially the small-scale farmers, pastoralists, small scale and artisanal fisher people, Indigenous Peoples, migrant and agricultural workers, consumers, and NGOs she represents, and how their experience demonstrates the importance of strengthening local food systems. She explains:

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. "Food sovereignty is the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts the aspirations and needs of those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations." The differences between these two concepts are accentuated in times of war and social or political unrest. On one hand, the primary need becomes the simple right of access to food and water that determines the very existence of human life. In a period of military conflict, humanitarian aid that provides food and water to those most in need is based on food security.”