Access to Land Network

Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: A Major Win for Land Access Advocacy The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture has concluded with some exciting developments for land advocacy. Among the key outcomes is the establishment of a European Observatory for Agricultural Land, as recommended by the European Parliament. This new observatory will play a critical role in enhancing transparency and cooperation around land issues, including land transactions, price trends, land use changes, and soil quality (p. 71). The Observatory’s annual reports and recommendations will be crucial in tracking these developments, ensuring they align with CAP and environmental objectives. Moreover, the Commission will launch a study on land governance bodies, examining how different structures across Europe manage land access, mobility, and sustainability, identifying best practices and areas for improvement. For the Access to Land Network, this is a major step forward. We’ll be incorporating this tool into our ongoing policy paper on the Land Observatory to push for stronger, more equitable land access policies that benefit agroecological farmers and rural communities. Read more about the Strategic Dialogue and its outcomes here: https://lnkd.in/geA6GFYn #AccessToLand #LandObservatory #EUAgriculture #Agroecology #LandGovernance

Empowering Rural Communities: Lessons from Successful Protests in Germany At Access to Land, we have always believed in the power of communities to shape their own futures, especially when it comes to protecting their land and environment. Recent events in Germany have demonstrated just how effective grassroots action can be in safeguarding rural areas from unwanted developments. The inspiring stories of Eichenberg, Lindhorst, and Wiedemar show us that when communities come together with creativity and determination, they can make a real difference. In Eichenberg, the proposed construction of a high-speed rail line threatened to cut through the heart of the community, affecting not only the environment but also the agricultural land that many residents depend on. The community responded with a mix of traditional protests and innovative strategies such as organizing local festivals to raise awareness and bring the issue to national attention. Their efforts paid off when plans for the rail line were reconsidered, showing the power of a united community voice. Lindhorst faced a different challenge, with proposals for large-scale industrial farming that would have overshadowed local, sustainable agricultural practices. Here, residents and local farmers worked together to highlight the importance of preserving traditional farming methods and the biodiversity of the region. Through petitions, public demonstrations, and engaging local media, they successfully delayed the project, buying critical time to explore alternative, more sustainable solutions. Wiedemar's fight centered around a proposed logistics center that threatened both the natural environment and historical sites. The local community organized walks, educational workshops, and collaborative art projects to draw attention to what was at stake. Their campaign emphasized the value of their natural and cultural heritage, and they were able to stop the project from moving forward, ensuring that their landscape remained intact. At Access to Land, we believe that these stories should inspire more rural communities to stand up for their rights and the protection of their environments. The success of these German communities underlines the necessity of networks like Access to Land, which connect, support, and amplify the voices of grassroots initiatives. The stories of Eichenberg, Lindhorst, and Wiedemar are not just about stopping projects—they are about empowering communities to take control of their futures. They remind us that when people come together, even the smallest voices can have a profound impact. At Access to Land, we are committed to continuing our support for these vital grassroots efforts and ensuring that rural communities across Europe have the tools and support they need to protect their land and livelihoods. Read more in german: https://lnkd.in/dfyjzKUJ

🌾 New Video Release: A Conversation with Mykola Stryzhak on Land Turnover Laws During Wartime 🌾 We are honoured to present our latest video featuring an interview with Mykola Stryzhak,honorary president of the farmers union in Ukrain, where we explore the intricate dynamics of land turnover laws implemented during the war. 📜⚖️ 🎥 Video Highlights: Key Insights: Mykola Stryzhak offers his expert opinion on how the recently adopted land turnover laws are shaping the agricultural landscape. Impact Analysis: Detailed discussion on who benefits from these laws and how they affect various stakeholders. Analogy: "A ship will sail the way you set its sails. The way the law on land turnover was adopted is very much the same." 🗣️ Quote from Mykola Stryzhak: "So yes, it will work in favor of those it was intended for, but it will also create challenges for others." This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in agricultural reforms, land laws, and their broader socio-economic implications. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of these critical issues from an expert in the field. If you are looking for more Information, also check out the article from the Transnational Institute https://lnkd.in/e2ZWYFQj

Last week we were at the IV Jornadas TERRAE organised by the Spanish network of municipalities #RedTerrae, in La Gomera island, Canaries. We presented the #AccesstoLand Network and the model of Terre de Liens to an assembly of people dedicated to working on rural and agricultural development. Some of our greatest learnings : > Red Terrae is a network of Spanish municipalities and professionals which is anchored in #practice. It is rare to see so many concrete and field projects presented in the same room, and this network is truly united to make change happen through #localaction. > The model of #LandBanks developed by Red Terrae and its partner municipalities is very inspiring, relying on the involvement of public authorities to #survey the land and #mediate the relationship between landowners and new entrants in agriculture. > Red Terrae is active along the #circular agricultural economy chain, from working on access to land to supporting the professionalization of farm entrepreneurs and, at the end of the chain, working with food distributors and composting projects. Very inspiring! Thank you Manuel Redondo Arandilla and all the TERRAE team for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and come back with more ideas and energy to work for #GenerationalRenewal in agriculture and the development of #Agroecology. Another proof that #LocalAuthorities are our allies in the transition towards fairer, better agricultural models.

🌍 We are excited to share that Oksana Sakal, a dedicated advocate and researcher, has co-authored an insightful article on the challenges and future of agricultural land markets in Ukraine. Published in the journal "Land," this research explores the impact of trade liberalization and the essential reforms needed for sustainable land policy. Oksana’s participation in this project highlights our commitment to promoting equitable access to land and supporting rural development. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dGDRR-tJ #LandRights #SustainableAgriculture #AccessToLand #RuralDevelopment #PolicyReform

📢 Urgent Call to Action: Protect Ukrainian Farmers and Regulate Land Markets NOW! 📢 The agricultural sector in Ukraine is at a critical juncture. The proposed opening of our land market, particularly to foreign investors, poses a significant threat to our local farmers and the future of sustainable agriculture in our country. As Viktor Honcharenko, President of the Farmers Association, highlights, this issue remains one of the most painful for our farming community. Why Regulation is Crucial: - Protect Ukrainian Farmers: Opening the market to foreign investors places our local farmers at a severe disadvantage. - Ensure Fair Access: Regulations will help ensure all farmers, especially small-scale and family-run farms, have fair access to land. - Preserve Our Heritage: Our land is more than a commodity; it is our heritage and our future. We must act now to demand strong and fair regulations for our land markets to protect our farmers and ensure sustainable agriculture. Join us in standing up for Ukrainian farmers and advocating for the regulation of our land markets! #AccessToLandnetwork #SupportUkrainianFarmers

🌍🚜 New EU Parliament and Food Systems: What to Expect The recent EU elections have reshaped the Parliament, and the impact on Europe's food systems is significant. The Greens/EFA and S&D show strong support for sustainability, while EPP and ECR demonstrate less commitment. The EU Food Policy Coalition's scorecards highlight voting behaviors on health, biodiversity, justice, and equity in food systems. This is crucial for stakeholders and citizens advocating for a sustainable and just food future. Discover how MEPs performed and what this means for the future of food in Europe. 🔗 Explore the Scorecards (https://lnkd.in/ewhy4diW) #EUElections2024 #SustainableFood #AccessToLand #FoodPolicy #EUParliament #Agroecology #HealthyDiets #SocialJustice

Healthy Municipal Soils (HuMUS project) is the only project implementing the EU Soil Mission that is targeting public administration at local and regional levels. On March 20th Alice Martin-Prével our local authorities and territories Officer will be speaking at the Soil Health Training webinar organised by HuMUS to present our #AccesstoLand manual on how local authorities can make farmland work for the public good https://lnkd.in/eJP7GSPj. Thank you HuMUS project for this opportunity to bridge the question of how we farm and steward land with the issue of soil health! 🌾 Register for the webinar at 👉 https://lnkd.in/dha-BsyT