The UK food system is broken – too many people have only limited access to nutritious, affordable, high-quality food that doesn’t cost the earth, that doesn’t harm the well being of those who grow and harvest it. Why? Because there are social, economic and political systems that encourage industrial agriculture practices while leaving small-scale agroecological farmers with little support.
OrganicLea connects our day-to-day work to a wider vision for a more just and sustainable food system. We are proud to be active members of a range of local, national and international networks that share our goal of promoting food sovereignty.
What is food sovereignty?
Our friends at the international peasants’ union La Via Campesina define the concept of food sovereignty as follows:
“The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. Food sovereignty puts those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations.”
As part of our wider vision for a more just and sustainable food system, OrganicLea works locally in north-east London to provide opportunities for all to grow and learn. We also hold local awareness-raising events to build skills, knowledge and passion for grassroots activism in the food system.
Our Farm Start project is designed to help establish more grow-to-sell enterprises in and around NE London, as well as to influence policy in order to make it easier for small-scale growers to get established.
Want to find out more?
Community food systems based on food sovereignty principles have multiple social, political, and environmental benefits. For more information about food sovereignty and OrganicLea’s system change work, please see the following documents and links.
Transforming Our Food System Booklet
Our Roots – A History of Land Rights
How to Transform Our Food System Poster
Thank you for supporting these efforts!
