Brazil needs to participate in WFO

Publicado em 31/10/2024

World Farmers Organisation

World Farmers Organisation. It´s a tropical obligation

                                                                                                        *Prof. José Luiz Tejon Megido/Eldorado Estadão

I´ve attended the National Congress of Agribusiness Women (CNMA), October 23 and 24^th, at Transamerica Expo, São Paulo, Brazil, where many important events were held, but one, in particular, caught my attention.

I´ve talked to Ms.Mariana Aragão, a researcher at Embrapa, an entity representing Brazil in  W.F.O (World Farmers’ Organisation), a global organisation of farmers, which is practically unknown in Brazil.

I also asked her what happens in this farmers' organisation and its importance, to which she replied:

“The World Farmer’s Organisation represents more than 1 billion producers in the world, gathering its representatives, producer associations, cooperatives, agricultural and livestock confederations from many countries; In addition to WFO, we count on a Scientific Council which I proudly take part and which is responsible for all the work of validating the proposals made by producer's assemblies and their representatives. In this organisation; proposals are made over the major topics under debate, such as biodiversity, nutrition, and food security, and we validate them through our scientific knowledge. Actually, we validate or not what is being discussed based on Science. 

So, this is the important work we've done” - said Ms. Mariana.

Taking advantage, I asked her, since Brazil is a great representative of Tropical Agriculture, if our country has effective participation in this important organisation and she told me:

“Unfortunately, not! I am the unique representative at this Scientific Council, which, as mentioned, only provides advice. But, in the WFO board, we don't have any Brazilian organisation participation, which means we don't have an active voice at this important entity”.

Taking advantage of this moment and the words from Ms.Mariana Aragão, I'd like to call on Brazilian entities in charge of representing our farmers: 

It is necessary to think seriously about our participation in this global farmers' organisation, because political disputes often pit various groups against each other, creating polarization and rivalries among countries that use farmers as shields in their conflicts.

I consider Brazil’s presence and performance in the World Farmer’s Organisation of vital importance.

A discovery I made at the National Congress of Agribusiness Women where our brave Agriwoman  Ms.Mariana Aragão acts as a member and participates, brings me to a clear reality that we are, practically, outside of a very important movement that deals, through experts, with important topics such as sustainability, environmental preservation, nutrition and biodiversity.

Of course, I realise we face a monumental task in promoting health, development, and prosperity of millions of small farmers globally.

So, Ms. Mariana Aragão completed my impression with the following inspired words: “Yes, precisely, Professor Tejon; This organisation plays a fundamental role, participating in many international forums. All cooperatives have representatives from the WFO at the United Nations FAO ( Food Agriculture Organisation) International Events.

The organisation is always present and participates in the discussions and I think, if we don't participate, Tropical Agriculture will be harmed in these debates.

And we, being the world's largest breadbasket could contribute to countless solutions for the planet and, therefore, we need to be there”, she concluded.

My message to farmers. Farmers, let’s join the World Farmer’s Organisation! 

*José Luiz Tejon -  PhD in Education-Universidad de La Empresa/Uruguay. Master's degree in Art Education and History of Culture - Mackenzie University. Journalist and Publicist - Harvard, MIT and PACE/USA / Insead in France Specialisation Academic Coordinator of Master Science Food & Agribusiness Management at Audencia in Nantes/France and FECAP/ Brazil. Managing Partner at Biomarketing and TCA International. Professional Head at Agro Anefac. Writer author and Co-author of 36 books. Agro Personality Award 2023. ABAG. Former director of Grupo Estadão, Agroceres and Jacto S/A.