Despite the difficult context, the young people of Via Campesina and elsewhere desire to remain or become small farmers. We unite in the face of a productivist system managed, inter alia, by the interests of multinationals, and propose a small-farmer model that respects humankind, nature and produce. To give us a chance to be successful we demand access to land, to finances and training in technical subjects and policy-making. But also we demand the right to produce our own seeds and refuse GMOs. Finally, we insist on the importance that society recognise our role and valorise our activities. We want policy makers to listen to young people and take account of what they have to say.

Jeanne Verlinden
Via Campesina
Binche, Belgium
jeanneverlinden@yahoo.fr