Conference: Say, Do, Hoe
Dire, Fare e Zappare
By: Renee Hendrickx at Terra Madre Salone del Gusto.
On Thursday, we all gathered in the Salla Azzurra at Terra Madre for Dire, Fare e Zappare, also known as Say, Do, Hoe. A great start for the Slow Food Youth Network, hosting the conference’s kick-off. Janno Lanjouw (YFM NL) moderated the discussion and Samuel Levie (YFM NL) and Pavlos Georgiadis (YFM Greece) both presented their video blogs on agriculture. Key message was to show how young people contribute to novel ways of practicing agricultural professions. This is closely related to the CAP reformations taking place in 2013.
Janno and Samuel both introduced themselves as city boys, contrary to Pavlos, who has agricultural roots. This is almost a representation of the situation in Europe. Only 7% of all farmers in Europe are under 35. By no doubt this will turn into a serious problem in the future. Who will produce the food for all these (poor) city boys, and girls, who have no idea clue so as to grow and produce food?
All of today’s speakers showed us initiatives involving young people and getting them back to the countryside. Both Samuel and Pavlos tried to connect the city and the countryside through making video blogs about young farmers. Pavlos: "This blog gave opportunities to tell stories that even Greeks don’t know." The blogs discuss the farmers’ opportunities in the current political and economical situation, and express their vision for the CAP in 2013. Samuel: "In 2013, the CAP will be revised. As youth I think we should get involved! We’re talking about our future here. It would be strange if youth wouldn’t be involved. The idea was to talk to the farmers and make a video with the farmers and how they think CAP should be." Both their video blogs can be viewed on foodpolitics.eu.
Kika, a young farmer working at Contadini per Passion (Farmers for Passion), followed the boys’ talks. This organization approaches farming in a novel way. Jey started without the monetary means, just the natural resources: some oranges and three boys who wanted to work in the field. One of the boys, founder Paolo Barbera, couldn’t make it today. According to Kika, this once again votes for the use of new ways of communication.
They embarked on an online adventure, by making smart use of the web and social media, not to sell their products but to acquire online visibility. The biggest advantage that comes along with this media-savvy approach is increased transparency. And that’s exactly what many traditional organizations are lacking. But the boys’ main motivation for online presence was the urge to tell a story. A story of craftsmanship, tradition and excellence. The web answers to one of the most elementary human needs: it builds relationships. And that’s exactly the missing link between farmers and the city.
One recurring issue is the high monetary, legislative and socio-cultural threshold experienced by young people to start farming. Still, we’re optimistic we can make a change. Andrzej Nowakowski, from ARC2020, wrote a mandate on possible changes in the CAP 2013, presented during the Good Food March on September 19th. Another great example of getting young people more involved in agricultural decision-making. Also, Mattia Bergamaschi explained her academy where (almost) retired craftsmen show young people how to practice the crafts and sustain the tradition.
Of course, this blog can only show the top of the iceberg! The meeting came down to getting more young people to the countryside, where opportunities await them. Borders are practically non-existent in today’s age, especially if you embrace novel ways of communication. Decision makers should know that young people and agriculture are a major object and subject in their reformations.
It’s time for change!