EFC European Foundations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food

(EFSAF) International Conference

13-14 October 2015, Milan, Italy
Hosted by Fondazione Cariplo and Compagnia di San Paolo

Through a series of interactive workshops foundations, civil society representatives and

policymakers tackled the question:
How can we learn to scale up practices on land use and food systems in service of a
healthy, fair and thriving planet?

The need to ensure meaningful conversations was at the heart of this meeting and a
framework was set out to guide participants and aid the process. Taking the time to think
through the goals of the meeting set participants up for more fruitful outcomes from the word
go.

Contents
DAY 1, at Fondazione Cariplo ............................................................................................... 4
Inspiration A closer look at two successful cases of collaboration ................................... 4
A story of collaboration for our food, by Carlo Mango, Fondazione Cariplo .................... 4
A story of collaboration for our land, by Lorne Macleod, Community Land Scotland ...... 4
Tackling specific challenges Six case studies of foundation collaboration ...................... 5
Joint Action for Farmers Organisation in West Africa ..................................................... 5
Research and Sustainable Food Systems...................................................................... 6
Global Alliance for the Future of Food (GAFF) and Agro-Ecology Fund ......................... 7
People 4 Soil Campaign................................................................................................. 8
EAThink2015 education on food security and sovereignty .......................................... 9
City Region Food Systems ........................................................................................... 10
Evaluating conversations Emerging synergies and themes .......................................... 11
DAY 2, at the Civil Society Pavilion, Milan Expo .................................................................. 12
Introduction by Hans.R. Herren ....................................................................................... 12
Collaborative conversations for scaling up success Four case studies ......................... 12
Local Products from Malopolska: scaling up short food chains..................................... 13
Scaling Farmer-led Agro-Ecology in West Africa .......................................................... 15
European Network of Civic Initiatives on Access to Land for Sustainable Agriculture ... 17
Agro-ecological production and the development of local markets by Indian
organisations in the north of Ecuador, Sisarina ............................................................ 19
Panel Discussion on the potential value of multi-actor platforms...................................... 22
Summary ..................................................................................................................... 22
Avoiding rapidisation, by Edie Mukiibi, Vice President of Slow Food International ..... 23
Additional activities ............................................................................................................. 24
Advocacy Corner ............................................................................................................. 24
Slow Food Pavilion and Evening Networking ................................................................... 24
Going forward ..................................................................................................................... 25
Annex 1 - Agro-ecological production and the development of local markets by Indian
organisations in the north of Ecuador - Sisarina ................................................................ 256
Annex 2 - Local Products from Malopolska ....................................................................... 258
Annex 3 - Scaling Farmer-led Agro-Ecology in West Africa ............................................. 2530
Annex 4 - European Network of Civic Initiatives on Access to Land for Sustainable
Agriculture......................................................................................................................... 326

DAY 1, at Fondazione Cariplo

Foundation representatives and members of EFSAF came together for the first day of the
meeting to reflect on their work over the past year. Alongside reflection, the meeting
provided an opportunity for foundations to progress together on concrete ways to tackle
obstacles they are currently facing. By dissecting specific problems and pooling knowledge
participants sought solutions collaboratively.

Inspiration A closer look at two successful cases of collaboration

Following introductions participants were presented with two stories of successful
collaboration with an emphasis on the factors which drove success in both cases.

A story of collaboration for our food, by Carlo Mango, Fondazione Cariplo

The city of Milan was the host of the World Expo 2015. Capitalising on this opportunity, the
city developed its Urban Policy Pact, a project supporting the city government in becoming
more sustainable and equitable when it comes to food-related issues. The idea of the policy
pact has been to coordinate all policies dealing with food from a host of different
perspectives: community, welfare, education, environment, well-being and international
relations. In doing so it has made more visible the interconnectivity of food systems and the
consequent challenge of building an interdisciplinary toolbox that collates learning from a city
level which can then be shared and adapted for future progress in other cities.
Find out more: http://www.foodpolicymilano.org/en/

A story of collaboration for our land, by Lorne Macleod, Community Land Scotland
With the support of the Carnegie UK Trust, local Scottish communities in rural areas
challenged accepted power structures in the region and seized the opportunity to reclaim,
transform and manage half a million acres of community land resulting in repopulation, new
businesses, and many more benefits. The impetus for the success of the initiative was
manifold, with Carnegies support for what was and remains a community-led project helping
gain political traction which led to the eventual passing of a law in support of land
reclamation in the region. Under this initiative three previously private islands are now
collaboratively owned and what was before a loss-making estate now brings in a 1m net
profit from wind turbines alone.
This story made clear that foundations have a powerful role to play when it comes to
bringing about and strengthening people and their communities their value coming in
numerous forms across a multiplicity of players and levels. The following point to concrete
opportunities for foundations to further engage with these kinds of projects:

Capacity building & community empowerment

Training & skills development
Support for feasibility studies & development plans
Study visits & exchanges
Preparation of case study examples
Support for events disseminating key messages
Programmes to support access for new farm entrants
Highlighting land issues and potential solutions
Collaboration between foundations on land programmes

Find out more: http://www.communitylandscotland.co.uk/

Twitter: @CommunityLandSc

Tackling specific challenges Six case studies of foundation

collaboration
With the aim of ensuring fruitful conversations for both presenters and participants,
six foundations briefly presented a project and then posed a question to participants
that needed addressing within that project. Actively engaging in small conversations
around these initiatives helped the presenting foundations tap into new perspectives
and collective knowledge to move their projects forward.

Joint Action for Farmers Organisation in West Africa (JAFOWA)

Discussion led by Marzia Sica, Compagnia di San Paolo
Project summary:
-

3 year project
Support the growth of a dynamic and equitable farmers movement in West Africa
through:
o Furthering agro-ecology
o Improving local food systems
o Advocacy

Q: How can we structure the JAFOWA programme to enhance the capacity of the
West African Farmers Organisation to influence agricultural policies?
Food for thought:
How can we engage new stakeholders? Can we involve them in the governing board, can
we invite them to contribute during project implementation?
How can ground movement make an impact at policy level? What makes policymakers
tick? How can we more concretely measure success? What kind of influence should we aim
for?

Take-away:
Understanding and engaging policymakers is key we need to be more innovative in
the way we do this.

Research and Sustainable Food Systems

Discussion led by Oliver Oliveros, Agropolis Foundation
-

At the roundtable discussion, funders explored a question that came from the recent
surge of interest in the Sustainable Urban Food System

Q: What are the concepts and issues that can be addressed in the Sustainable Urban
Food System?
Food for thought:
How can public engagement become more impactful? What role for technology? How can
we better engage youth and women?
What happens with the Urban Food Policy Pact after the ceremony? What sort of coalition
should be built?
What kind of innovation is needed to engage consumers?
What sort of framework will ensure research truly convinces policymakers?
How can interconnectivity work as an advantage and not as a hindrance? What are the
differing competencies of the actors involved?

Take-away:
Research needs to be robust to be credible, a platform for knowledge exchange and
creativity needs to be built and there needs to be a better public engagement process.

Global Alliance for the Future of Food (GAFF) and Agro-Ecology Fund
Discussion led by Katy Schofield, Synchronicity Earth
Project summary:
-

GAFF is a coalition of over 20 foundations (US and Europe) leveraging their

resources to help shift food and agriculture systems towards greater sustainability,
security and equity
GAFF consists of three working groups:
o AgroEcology Transitions Working Group (AETWG)
o Advancing Wellbeing Working Group
o Externalities Working Group

There is a lot of crossover and connection between the groups working in these areas, and
in 2016 the coordination of these working groups will take place more through the AgroEcology Fund coordinator and contributing donors so that AETWG members:
1. Can nominate grantees and can see summaries of shortlists for comment
2. Join learning calls; learning convening 2016
3. Join presenting at sessions and messaging
4. Share reports/updates
Q: How do we create a better mechanism to connect non-member funders with GAFF?
Food for thought:
Bring current questions to GAFF Start a process that looks at how best to cooperate.
GAFF added value is real so: - What can make us be part of GAFF?
o Offer interesting projects
o Pass along ideas via members
o Make our expectations clear
o Offer some kind of contribution
Should a European agro-ecology working group be created?

Take-away:
Channels to simply and effectively share information, research and ideas should not be
hindered by the existence of multiple networks.

People 4 Soil Campaign

Discussion led by Elena Jachia, Fondazione Cariplo
Project summary:
-

People 4 Soil is a free and open network of European NGOs, research institutes,
farmers associations and environmental groups
The 90 organisations involved are united in their worry around the degradation and
loss of soils in the EU and at a global level which has negative impacts on human
health, food security, natural ecosystems, biodiversity and climate as well as on the
economy
People 4 Soil Campaign will be launched in 2016, and 1m signatures are needed.
However in 2015 the campaign needs support it is asking organisations to become
a part of the People 4 Soil network within the countries in which they operate and
commit to raising awareness about the campaign
www.people4soil.eu

Q: What actions/tools can best support the campaign?

Food for thought:
How best to communicate with signatories? Simplification of the message is key:
-

Simple statements, infographics, testimonials, videos made for sharing

Is a European Citizens Initiative necessary?

Take-away:
Knowing what engages the wider public is key to a successful awareness campaign.

EAThink2015 Education on food security and sovereignty

Discussion led by Cristina Toscano (Fondazione Cariplo)
Project summary:
-

EAThink eat local, think global is a project for primary and secondary schools of
12 European and 2 African countries funded by the European Union with the
objective of enhancing European students and teachers critical understanding and
active engagement in global development challenges, with a specific focus on food
security and sovereignty, sustainable food systems and smallholder farming.

Q: How can we develop an agenda targeting foundations to strengthen EAThink

Alliance alongside building advocacy work?
Food for thought:
-

Foundations can be catalysts for connections help enlarge the scale (join up the
dots in areas such as healthy living, well-being, active citizenship, child potential,
education through museums, performing arts)
Ability to collect and translate existing tools which can then be shared with wider
networks

Create commercial links to spread EAThink values explore links with businesses and firms

Take-away:
Find and use foundations potential whether it be for creating connections, or
strengthening the interconnectivity of project areas.

City Region Food Systems

Discussion led by David Edwards, HRH The Prince of Wales International Sustainability Unit
Project summary:
-

City Region Food Systems understand that sustainable food systems, rural
development and urbanisation need to be better understood in relation to each other
Milan Urban Food Policy must be used to provide a global example of this but it
must be ensured that all expertise is drawn upon
Challenges lie in funding and the provision of a long-term vision for maintenance of
these ideas that is sustainable and efficient

Q: How can philanthropies act to create and encourage greater synergy among the
projects being done on city region food systems?
Food for thought:
What is needed? There must be a concrete understanding of exactly what is needed to
strengthen the work being carried out then the model can be built from this.
Concrete outputs and interventions are necessary, and there must be clarity on the
institutional parameters of this work.
Communication is vital there must be better conversation between core groups who have
worked on City Region Food Systems and those working on the global legacy of the Urban
Food Policy Pact. Actors must be brought together.

Take-away:
Clarity and strong engagement from diverse stakeholders will take this project forward
and ensure it does not lose momentum following the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact.

10

Evaluating conversations Emerging synergies and themes

When the groups reconvened to discuss the outcomes of their conversations all present felt
the outside input had raised important questions for progression. In some cases groups had
used their own connections as a way to help each other and plan solid actions. There was a
general consensus across projects that foundations must work together to put pressure on
policymakers using skills beyond grantmaking to bring about change. However the
question of how best to translate knowledge and research into pressure is one that all felt
they needed to work on addressing. Participants noted the importance of public engagement
and agreed that the public are those with the real power and that foundations should
perhaps give more time and focus to engaging them. They suggested that a robust platform
for knowledge exchange may be a necessary step towards finding a single vision for
sustainable food policy. By the end of this first day, it was clear that the meeting had brought
concrete steps and identified new questions.

11

DAY 2, at the Civil Society Pavilion, Milan Expo

The second day of the meeting was held at the Civil Society Pavilion in the heart of the
EXPO. The day was hosted by Fondazione Cariplo and Compagnia di San Paolo with the
cooperation of Fondazione Triulza and invited a wider range of participants including
foundations, civil society organisations, the public, multilateral institutions and policymakers.

Introduction by Hans.R. Herren

Hans. R. Herren, scientist and President & CEO of the Millennium Institute opened with a
powerful address. In a world where 800 million still go hungry, business as usual is not an
option. We need a fundamental shift in the production system and the whole value chain
from production to consumption. The economic argument for exploiting nature does exist,
but people must be prepared to pay the real price for food. The cost of doing nothing is
enormous.

Agroecology has to become mainstream - @greyherren @The_EFC

#EFSAF #Agroecology
If you want more diversity on your plate you need more diversity in your
farms - @greyherren #EFSAF @Expo2015Milano @The_EFC
We have been replacing nature with business - @greyherren on the
global food production system @ #EFSAF @Expo2015Milano

Collaborative conversations for scaling up success Four case studies

Four local projects and innovations that are tackling head on some of the problems at the
core of food and agricultural sustainability were presented. Individuals representing these
successful initiatives were invited to share the development of their work so far with a mind
to scaling up their ambitions.
The projects presented were as follows:

Local Products from Malopolska: Scaling up short food chains Serafin Rafa, The
Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation

Agro-ecological production and the development of local markets by Indian

organisations in the north of Ecuador, Sisarina Barbara Guittard, AVSF Ecuador

European Network of Civic Initiatives on Access to Land for Sustainable Agriculture

Marta di Pierro, AIAB Lazio

Scaling Farmer-led Agro-Ecology in West Africa Katy Scholfield, Synchronicity

Earth on behalf of the AgroEcology Fund

After ten-minute presentations participants were invited to join one of the four groups to pool
knowledge on how to grow these successful innovations.
The case studies and the discussions that followed are elaborated upon in more detail
below. Each group was invited to fill in a table that helped them to record the conversations
and ideas emerging from the discussions and note with clarity steps forward. Participants of
the discussion were also invited to stay in contact with the progress of the projects and given
the option of receiving updates.
12

Local Products from Malopolska: Scaling up short food chains

Discussion led by Serafin Rafa, The Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation
Project summary:
This is a programme in operation in the region of Malopolska in the South of Poland which
has reduced the length of the food chain and by doing so has promoted a relationship
between people and the producers of their food.
Peoples well-being, environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are thoroughly
interlinked. The programme worked along these interlinkages.
The local food system that the project has produced consists of:

100+ producers

10 regions of origin in Maopolska

25 product groups (450+ products)

Farmers markets, on-farm sales, Bistro Marchewka, shops, catering, events, Buyers
clubs

The food system needs the following to thrive:

1. Food producers and consumers
2. Local food processing (incl. community kitchens)
3. Assuring food safety/authenticity
4. Favourable policy & legislation
5. Systematic promotion, marketing & sales
6. Effective logistics & distribution
Q: What does the future of Malopolska look like? And who will meet the needs of the
consumer?
Food for thought:
How can this local system continue to function despite challenges?
-

Technology- How can an IT-enabled sales & distribution infrastructure that delivers
be best created?
Organisation - How can an institutional ecosystem that embraces profit & non-forprofit functions be developed?
o Producer exchange programme
o Implementation of a cooperative model

13

Take-away:

This project as a model/story to help encourage short supply chain projects

Sharing experience is helpful to other similar initiatives
The potential of internet sales as a means to make short food systems more
economically viable
Confirmation that this is a Europe-wide problem
Consumers must be involved they must become contributors
An institutional ecosystem must be developed

14

Scaling Farmer-led Agro-Ecology in West Africa

Discussion led by Katy Scholfield, Synchronicity Earth on behalf of the AgroEcology Fund
Project summary:
-

Regional Collaboration to spread agro-ecological farming systems, reinforce

movements for food sovereignty, and advocate for policies supportive of agroecology
Objectives: Protect land and water resources, promote soil fertility and crop nutrition,
improve and scale up agro-ecology
Context, West Africa: Traditional farming is increasingly threatened, environmental
degradation, gender equality issues and vulnerability to climate change
At the moment the projects being carried out by the AgroEcology Fund are
independently successful but scattered and lack coordination
Examples of success:
o Ghana CIKOD
1,778 farmers applied FMNR on their farms
National campaign on GMO Plant Breeders Bill
o Burkina Faso - ANSD
ANSD trained farmer volunteers from 60 villages to undertake on-farm
experimentation in AE techniques
AgroEcology Fund has the potential to work as an enabler by creating:
o A collaborative of funders greater resources to support larger, more
collaborative work
o An opportunity to link African groups with the broader global agenda
o Good networks to identify the great organisations doing great work

Challenges being faced: gender inequality, language barriers, costs and capacity,
applicability of lessons across cultures and contexts.
Q: How can we support partners to make learning relevant/replicable across other
contexts and cultures in other regions?
Food for Thought:
Mechanisms to adapt relevant learning need to be created
A focus on actions that have a leveraging effect will further success
By uniting the focus of projects where possible - the policies to come from them will be
strengthened

15

Take-away:

The vision for a more connected network of agro-ecological projects in West Africa
needs to be thoroughly thought through
A nuanced exchange of existing successes that carefully adapt to differing
contexts must be at the centre
Vertical actors must begin to link up
Thoughtful insights from people engaged in the agro-ecology sector
The importance of participatory design
The need for a well-defined ultimate purpose
Agro-ecology itself needs to be well defined
Trying to network between farmers organisations might be one way to scale up
agro-ecology projects
The need to take time to learn from different perspectives and entry points,
especially the WHYS and the HOWs

16

European Network of Civic Initiatives on Access to Land for Sustainable Agriculture

Discussion led by Marta di Pierro, AIAB Lazio
Project summary:
-

A network that aims to clarify the needs of young farmers, harmonise national land
markets in Europe, raise awareness of the needs to access land with farmers, the
public etc.
Carrying out its role through sharing experiences, ideas and practical tools which
support farmers in gaining access to land and engaging in good land stewardship.
The network works to connect grass-roots initiatives and support the emergence of
new ones
It also aims to:
o Raise awareness of land issues among citizens, consumers, farmers
organisations, civil society organisations and policymakers.
o Network with and support other civil society organisations and social
movements working on these issues
o http://www.accesstoland.eu/index.php

Q: How best can the visibility of the network be raised?

Food for thought:
How can experience on a local level be effectively communicated to other places?
How can we ensure that policymakers are aware of the necessity to work on land issues at
all levels and so engage with this network?
How can we ensure legislation is created at a European level?
How can we ensure the story of the network is communicated effectively?

17

Take-away:

To expand the effectiveness of the network it must be communicated well this

means mapping where decisions are taken and providing clear information
through a good website.
The vision of think local, act global was strengthened
How to ask the right questions
How it is important to work within a network
Realised an alternative point of view - The need to take time to learn from different
perspectives and entry points, especially the WHYS and the HOWs

18

Agro-ecological production and the development of local markets by Indian

organisations in the north of Ecuador, Sisarina
Discussion led by Barbara Guittard, AVSF Ecuador
Project summary:
-

Co-funded Small Farmers Markets project

o Aiming to contribute to food sovereignty in Marginal areas of Bolivia, Peru and
Ecuador
Originally targeting 7,000 families of organised farmers linked to local markets,
community leaders, students and universities, and civil society networks
The current project has been implemented since 2014 in the Pichincha and Imbabura
provinces in Ecuador, and has been developed following the recommendations of the
multi-country project evaluations
o This project targets 1,000 Indian families and 3,000 consumers from local
markets aiming to respond to demand and challenge of finding a fair price
for agro-ecological products

Q: How can we ensure stable farmers markets and a larger quantity and higher
diversity of agro-ecological products available?
Food for thought:
How can we better access urban markets? Is it possible to reach supermarket standards?
Or should the standards be changed to open the market for agro-ecological products?
How can the project sustain interest at a central level within Quito City?

19

Take-away:

It is essential that a market is created for agro-ecological products this must be

commercially viable and the products must be readily available.
Good leads for AVSF Ecuadors own work in Quito
To set up a similar working group before initiating new projects/experiences
Create links between this project and projects AVSF Ecuador is working on/have
involvement in

20

KEY CROSSOVERS AND CONCERNS EMERGING FROM DIALOGUES:

Commercial viability of agro-ecological products

How to engage policymakers
Finding sufficient funding for scaling up

Further information on these projects are available in the Annex to this report

21

Panel Discussion on the potential value of multi-actor platforms

Speakers:

David Edwards, The Prince of Wales International Sustainability Unit (moderator)

Samuel Feret, Arc2020, Comite Francais pour la Solidarite Internationale
Oliver Oliveros, Agropolis Foundations, Global Alliance for the Future of Food
Stefania Amato, Milan Commune, UFPP
Marielle Dubbing RUAF Foundation

Summary
A panel discussion followed this fruitful participatory learning session. The panel provided
perspectives from a range of experts on the potential value of multi-actor platforms as a
means to help scale up local initiatives and innovation. It opened with a discussion of some
of the challenges of organising sustainable food systems at a city level, the need for the
expansion of horizontal connections across the city itself and vertical integration ensuring
that successful local actions drive the evolution of policy. Discussion turned to the way
NGOs are able to communicate with policymakers. It was stressed that NGOs need to know
how to tell their stories effectively to create real influence - this is where the research
community comes in. Trust was also identified as an integral element, to reach governmental
level it is useful (if not necessary) to have a champion; fostering confidence across strata of
power being an effective way to reach the top. These connections take time and confidence
cannot be bought but comes from the effective communication of real change it was
emphasised that we need to look at time as an investment and not as a transaction cost.
The panel then turned to the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and emphasised the need to look
beyond the formal declarations to what comes after the reality of implementing the idea
after the hype has died down. So far the pact has brought about an incredible amount of
knowledge exchange, the question now is how to maintain momentum and retain the initial
energy of this moment in Milan.

22

Avoiding rapidisation, by Edie Mukiibi, Slow Food International

Edie Mukiibi wrapped up the days discussions. He spoke with clarity on the wrong way to
act when it comes to improving food systems we must avoid what he called rapidisation
as a consequence of unrealistic targets set by the top which work to the detriment of those
on the ground. We need a new food system that improves access to land and connects rural
and urban areas, not one that pushes family farms into monoculture in the name of meeting
targets.

23

Additional activities
Advocacy Corner
This was a platform to raise awareness about ongoing advocacy initiatives.
People 4 Soil aims to raise awareness and political support for a framework on soil
conservation and preservation, driven by the fact that 3 square kilometres of soil are lost
globally per day. www.people4soil.eu
The World Forum on Access to Land brings together 400 farmers and civil society
organisations and 400 experts and researchers to ensure effective measures for farmers to
access resources. http://landaccessforum.org

Slow Food Pavilion and Evening Networking

All attendees tasted clean and fair food produced by local communities at the closing
networking event at the Slow Food Pavilion.

24

Going forward
The two days provided plenty of evidence that change is in progress, we have the solutions
but we need strong leadership to help translate messages from the ground into stories that
spark change. From building on high-level research to reaching a wide consumer base, all
levels must be integrated for a sustainable future for food. This growing network of initiatives
must become a functioning system and eventually the norm for all.

Key take-aways:

Urban/rural solidarity is key

Importance of gathering creative ideas and concrete questions for progress
Going beyond grant mechanisms to reach market dynamics collaborating for
commercialisation
How to convert local initiatives into national power
Policymakers need pressure we need to focus on translating research into
pressure
The public must have a stake in the Urban Food Agenda
Trust is key: Find a champion to build confidence after that you can begin to
trust the government to talk on your behalf

25

Annex 1 - Agro-ecological production and the development

of local markets by Indian organisations in the north of
Ecuador - Sisarina1
Organisation
Agronomes et Vtrinaires Sans Frontires AVSF (www.avsf.org), is an officially
recognised non-profit association that has worked towards international solidarity supporting
smallholder farming since 1977. AVSF is implementing this project in Ecuador.

Background
The project, co-funded by Fondation Ensemble, is the continuation of what started as a
Small Farmers Markets project. The first project aimed to contribute to food sovereignty in
marginal areas of three Andeans countries (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador) - where family farming is
the main means of food supply for the population. It aimed to do this while generating
knowledge, skills and policies for the development of alternative systems of associative
farmers strategic markets. It originally targeted 7000 families of organised farmers linked to
local markets, community leaders, students, universities and civil society networks with
activities related to food sovereignty. The current project has been implemented by AVSF
since 2014 in the Pichincha and Imbabura provinces in Ecuador, and has been developed
following the recommendations of the multi-country project evaluations. This new project
targets 1000 Indian families (Kichwas and Kayambi) and 3000 consumers from local
markets. It aims to respond to the demand and challenge of setting a fair price for farmers
agro-ecological products in a trading environment that does not favour small producers (but
rather supermarkets and the agro-exportation sector).

Objectives
The project aims to:

Develop family farmings capacity to develop agricultural production systems based

on agro-ecology and to promote products via collective initiatives supporting
processing and selling through short supply chains.
Put forward and influence the implementation of sustainable policies that support
agro-ecological production and the development of short supply chains by creating a
dialogue between social stakeholders and local authorities.

Partners

Chijallta-FICI (Federation of the Kichwas Peoples from the northern Ecuadorian

highlands)
Decentralised Autonomous Governments of Imbabura and Pichincha provinces
Social Solidarity Economy Movement of Ecuador MESSE

Sisarina means blooming in Kichwa language

26

Key Achievements

The production of strategic research on the systems through which farmers

commercialise their products, and analysis of where they have employed
conventional or alternative methods. More than 200 students were involved in
collecting this research, with input ranging from 20 to 160 academic hours. Six
doctorates were funded or co-funded by the project, and around 30 undergraduate
and graduate dissertations were engaged with it.
The strengthening of alternative commercialisation initiatives by farmers that
contribute to food security and sovereignty and the development of marginal
territories. Since 2014, 300 new producers have been trained and thus implemented
agro-ecological production practices; 560 families (70% women) are selling their
products to 2000 regular consumers through 10 farmers markets or shops and
farmers product baskets in both provinces.
The improvement of organisational and business management skills in Indian
organisations. This improvement is a consequence of the creation of ten
commercialisation initiatives.
The diffusion of strategic information to generate debate and develop policy
proposals. The two provincial governments now have agro-ecological provincial
regulations. In Pichincha, there is a structured programme of support for producers
using agro-ecological practices, which supports the training of agricultural
technicians.

Website
http://www.fondationensemble.org/en/projet/sisarina-florissant-kichwa-soutien-production-agroecologique-organisations-indiennes-nord-equateur-developpement-marches-locaux/

Contact
Barbara Guittard, AVSF France, b.guittard@avsf.org

27

Annex 2 - Local Products from Malopolska

Organisation
The Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation

Background
Local Products from the Malopolska is a local food system through which producers from
10 territories in Malopolska, Poland, connect with consumers. The system was initiated in
2011 by the Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation an NGO that supports
grassroots environmental action.

Objectives
The project aims to create a self-sustaining local food system, which:

Increases access to locally produced food by helping agricultural smallholders and

small producers work together to gain market access through farmers markets, onfarm sales, restaurants, online sales and other distribution channels supported by an
IT-enabled system for managing sales and logistics.
Increases smallholder incomes and revitalises rural economies in ways that combat
poverty and social exclusion, while contributing to the protection of natural and
cultural heritage values and food security.
Organises the sales and logistics of a wide range of locally produced food products in
a way that takes the products directly to consumers, while engaging farmers,
smallholders and producers in the process. This involves building trust and reputation
to create and maintain short value chains.

Partners
Local Products from Malopolska was co-created by a group of approximately 100
farmers/producers and 15 local NGO, business and public sector partners, including the
regional government authorities.

Key Achievements
Eliminating Intermediaries
Local Products from Malopolska aims to foster short supply chain values and eliminate
intermediaries between producers and consumers in favour of direct selling (through 3
farmers markets; a Culinary CentreBistro and catering service in Krakow; buyers clubs;
on-farm sales; and community kitchens) which help farmers improve their profitability.
Improving Sales and Logistics
An IT-enabled system for organising sales and logistics is being piloted with a view to
achieving scale in terms of number of the producers and consumers involved, the range of
products on offer and the volume of sales.
Certification Scheme
Quality, traceability and environmental performance are assured through a certification
scheme developed and enforced with participating producers.
Legalise Local Food Campaign
The Foundations Legalise Local Food Campaign has opened the way for legislative
changes, which promise more flexibility for farmers and small producers.

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Website
www.produktlokalny.pl
www.local-food.pl

Contact
Rafa Serafin, Polish Environmental Partnership Foundation rafal.serafin@fpds.pl

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Annex 3 - Scaling Farmer-led Agro-Ecology in West Africa

Organisation
AgroEcology Fund

Background
Across the world, grassroots organisations, NGOs, universities, and public agencies are
working with farmers, consumers and scientists to construct diverse food systems that are
healthy and give sustenance to people and the planet. The recent FAO International
Symposium on Agroecology for Food Security and Nutrition demonstrated an important
positive trend in advancing agroecology to reshape the current food system. Below is an
example of a successful West African regional partnership of agroecology practitioners who
have expanded from introducing drought-resistant farming practices to leading effective
policy advocacy campaigns. The AgroEcology Fund awarded the organisation named
Groundswell International, in collaboration with five partner organisations, $200,000 to
strengthen and amplify existing farmer- and women-led initiatives and organisations in Mali,
Burkina Faso, and northern Ghana.

Objectives
The regional collaboration aimed to strengthen and amplify existing farmer-led initiatives and
organisations, especially those led by women, to spread agro ecological farming systems,
reinforce movements for food sovereignty, and advocate for policies supportive of
agroecology. These community-based initiatives were intended to dramatically improve and
scale up West Africa's agroecology movement over two years, directly protecting land and
water resources in the region and promoting soil fertility and crop nutrition.

Lead organisation and Collaborating Partners

Groundswell International is a US-based non-profit organisation dedicated to strengthening
rural communities to build healthy food and farming systems. This Groundswell-led
collaboration involved alliances with the US-based think tank Food First; the Netherlandsbased publisher of Farming Matters, the Centre for Learning on Sustainable Agriculture
(ILEIA); and Groundswells local partners in Mali (Sahel Eco), Burkina Faso (Association
Nourrir Sans Dtruire, ANSD), and Northern Ghana (Center for Indigenous Knowledge and
Organisational Development, CIKOD).

Key Achievements
Results: Ghana:
In Upper West Ghana, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) a drought
resilience agroforestry technique gained traction under the leadership of CIKOD, a local
NGO that works with traditional chieftaincy authorities in the region. The initial results in
2014 in promoting the adoption of FMNR and agroecology technologies demonstrate the
success of this approach: at least 1,778 farmers, including 571 women, applied FMNR on
their farms.
Women leaders mobilised family farmer groups and womens savings and credit groups
(susu) to strengthen local organisational capacity to foster agroecological farming. Farmers
advanced agro-ecological practices such as mounding, grass and household waste
composting, soil mulching, re-cycling crop residue and the application of animal manure.
Traditional seeds (maize, sorghum, yams and cowpeas) were promoted, along with raising
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awareness about the hazards of pesticides for human health. The group combined
community-level extension work with a national level policy campaign in collaboration with
the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana and Action Aid Ghana to suspend the passage
of the pro-GMO Plant Breeders Bill.
Results: Burkina Faso
In eastern Burkina Faso, local partner organisation ANSD, trained farmer volunteers from 60
different villages to undertake on-farm experimentation with agroecological techniques. The
workshops involved men and women farmer-leaders, staff of local NGOs, and technicians
from Burkina Fasos agricultural research agency (INERA). ANSD and INERA collaborated
to share effective practices with farmers based on the understanding that spreading
agroecological innovations depends not only on convincing individual farmers, but also on
strengthening farmer organisations capable of disseminating information and sustaining
results.
Results: Mali
In Mali, the focus was on citizen advocacy to create enabling conditions for the spread of
agroecology practices and policies.
Scaling Success
The collaboration has contributed to the wider movement for food sovereignty in the region.
The learnings were disseminated widely by Food First and through ILEIA's magazine,
Farming Matters, which is distributed worldwide in five languages. A key part of the
collaborative design was that a joint, grounded effort to strengthen strategies for scaling agro
ecological alternatives in specific regions of three West African countries could be leveraged
by all to strengthen their work in other organisational spaces. The three partners (Sahel Eco,
ANSD and CIKOD) have formed a West Africa agroecology network that has been accepted
as a member of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), a continent-wide
coalition. The network is contributing to regional and continent-wide advocacy work through
its on-the-ground organising with farmers. The AgroEcology Fund seeks to facilitate further
learning and funding globally and potential adaptation locally, based on lessons gleaned
from this West Africa experience

Website
http://agroecologyfund.org/

Contact
Daniel Moss, Agroecology Fund, danielmoss9@gmail.com

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Annex 4 - European Network of Civic Initiatives on Access

to Land for Sustainable Agriculture
Organisation
Terre de Liens and partner organisations

Background
Preserving land for local, sustainable agriculture is a growing issue in many parts of Europe.
Agricultural land is in decline as a result of urban and infrastructure development and
competition is growing between farmers producing not only food but also fuels and
agrofibres. As a result, the land is increasingly concentrated with large intensive farms, while
small-scale farms, which are the cornerstone of European food security and lively rural areas
- key to preserving the environment, and best placed to provide high local food quality - are
disappearing. Alongside this, the inevitable retirement of a huge number of farmers and the
difficulty in finding their replacements is heightening the likelihood of further rural
abandonment.
Over the past decade, a number of civic initiatives have emerged accross Europe to address
the difficulties faced by of agroecological farmers trying to access land. These initiatives
operate either by acquiring land (through raising investment and donations from the public)
or by making agreements with landowners in order to provide land with favourable terms to
farmers. The European Network brings together 16 organisations from seven countries,
mostly from Western Europe. This network is composed of civic organisations, which are
directly working on promoting access to land for farming and the preservation of agricultural
land.

Objectives
It aims to:

Share experiences, ideas and practical tools which support farmers in gaining access
to land and engaging in good land stewardship.
Connect grassroots initiatives and support the emergence of new ones
Raise awareness of land issues among citizens, consumers, farmers organisations,
civil society organisations and policy-makers. In particular it aims to raise awareness
around issues such as land as commons and grassroots initiatives.
Network with and support other civil society organisations and social movements
working on these issues.

Partners

Associazione italiana per lagricoltura biologica (AIAB), Italy

Biodynamic Land Trust, UK
Campi aperti, Italy
De Landgenoten, Belgium
Eco Ruralis, Romania
Kulturland e.G, Germany
Land-In-Zicht, Belgium
Real Farming Trust, UK
Regionalwert AG, Germany
Rurbans, Spain
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Soil Association Land Trust, UK

Terre de liens, France
Terre en vue, France
Terra franca, Italy
Viva sol, Lithuania
Xarxa de custodia del territory, Spain

Key Achievements
Meeting increasing consumer demands for high quality food
These civic initiatives have helped support local food production and sustainable farming
and in doing so have helped to meet consumer needs.
Strengthening relationships
The initiatives have helped to strengthen relationships between farmers and communities
and helped to develop urban/rural solidarity, as part of what has been termed communitysupported agriculture.
Raising Awareness
The initiatives have raised awareness about land use and environmental protection, they
have also (re)placed farmers into the long chain of good land stewards.

Website
www.accesstoland.eu

Contact
Vronique Rioufol, Terre de Liens, v.rioufol@terredeliens.org

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About the EFC

As an association of foundations in Europe and globally, the EFC has a distinct perspective
on foundations and the landscape they inhabit. Our helicopter view presents a unique
opportunity for us as an organisation, hand in hand with our members, to reflect on,
understand and in turn engage with and together enrich the environment of foundations. We
do this by gathering and employing intelligence on our members, their activities, interests,
and needs. We analyse and think through trends within the sector, but equally cast our eyes
outwards, to explore the wider context; the issues that affect foundations and the issues they
seek to address. Harnessing the potential of our vantage point and making a virtue of the
great diversity to be found within our membership, the EFC serves its members, supporting
them both individually and collectively to foster positive social change in Europe and beyond.
www.efc.be

About the EFC European Foundations for Sustainable Agriculture and

Food (EFSAF)
This working group has been set up as a lasting collaboration framework for European
foundations who see small-scale farming and agroecology as key elements in the
sustainable production of high-quality food; health issues; in maintaining and developing
dynamic economic activities in cities and rural areas; and in responsible management of
natural resources. Its main aims are to encourage collaborations, scaling-up successes, and
the diffusion of innovations, and to help field initiatives and research to influence policy.
http://www.efc.be/thematic_network/efsaf/

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