Introduction:

The worldwide food system faces a dual crisis of sustainability and justice, with over one billion individuals experiencing hunger while large businesses acquire extensive land and water resources in impoverished nations. The rise of factory-produced food, protein, and meat products, touted as solutions to climate change and population increase, further exacerbates these issues, undermining food sovereignty and resilience. Land grabbing, facilitated by the demand for commodities like palm oil, soy, sugar, and biofuels, exacerbates human rights abuses and environmental degradation, particularly in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Factory-Produced Food and Land Grabbing:

The expansion of factory-produced food, protein, and meat products utilising biotechnology and insects is exacerbating the global food crisis. Companies like Ÿnsect, Algenex, Loopworm, Perfect Day, and Impossible Foods are driving this trend, promoting products with questionable nutrition, safety, and ethics. Moreover, land grabbing for commodities like palm oil has led to extensive deforestation and habitat degradation, along with human rights abuses and conflicts with indigenous peoples and smallholders.

The Impact on Global Food Systems:

These trends have significant implications for global food systems, as the industry is projected to reach $1.14 billion by 2027. However, it faces challenges such as governmental obstacles, consumer acceptance, ethical concerns, and environmental impacts. Moreover, it competes with more sustainable and equitable alternatives like agroecology, organic farming, local food systems, and plant-based diets, undermining efforts towards a more just and sustainable food system.

Challenging the Global Food Crisis: Insights from India’s Farmers and Lessons for the European Union

The Case of India: Farmers’ Agitation and Policy Repeal:

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, India witnessed the enactment of contentious agricultural laws by the Modi government, triggering nationwide protests by farmers. These laws aimed to overhaul the agricultural sector but were perceived as favouring big corporations like the Adani Group, leading to accusations of crony capitalism. Farmers’ opposition was fueled by concerns over the erosion of their livelihoods and the consolidation of corporate power in agriculture. Despite prolonged protests, negotiations, and international attention, the Modi government repealed the laws in November 2021, signalling a victory for the farming community and highlighting the power of collective action in a democratic system.

Potential Influence on the European Union:

The success of the Indian farmers’ agitation may have reverberated in the European Union, where farmers also grapple with issues such as agricultural policies, trade agreements, and market conditions. While the contexts differ, there are shared concerns around corporate influence and the erosion of farmers’ rights. The Indian movement serves as a testament to the efficacy of grassroots mobilisation in influencing government policies and defending farmers’ interests, offering insights and inspiration for farmers’ movements in the EU and beyond.

Conclusion:

The global food crisis demands urgent action to prioritise the well-being of individuals and the environment over corporate interests. Advocating for small-scale farmers, food sovereignty, and sustainable agricultural practices is imperative to reshaping the food system to be more equitable and resilient. The success of the Indian farmers’ agitation underscores the importance of collective action and grassroots mobilisation in effecting meaningful change, offering valuable lessons for farmers’ movements worldwide, including those in the European Union.