Land and freedom: A Demonstration for justice, solidarity and ecology in agriculture (Friday, March 28)

After more than a year of consultations across Québec, "la Commission pour l'avenir de l'agriculture et l'agroalimentaire" (CAAAQ) released its report this February. The report confronts the actions and policies of the Quebec government regarding agriculture and suggests major changes. Since its release the government has ignored its recommendations and attempted to silence the serious concerns it raises. We will not let these concerns and recommendations go unheard!

What is our government doing in relation to agriculture? Quebec's current agricultural policies prioritize industrial practices. Instead of supporting local communities in developping an agriculture that responds to their needs, these policies are designed to serve the interests of corporations who have no respect for the earth or human life. Across the world this model of agriculture has displaced entire communities and is undermining the basic self-determination of people. In the face of this reality, people all over the planet are engaging in resistance and fighting for their land and freedom. In Mexico, the Zapatistas continue to show their opposition the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), which favors large-scale industrial agriculture over the rights of communities to own and work land collectively. In India, South America and Europe, people have come together in protest, to destroy whole crops of genetically modified plants.

Despite the progressive recommendations of the CAAAQ the government continues to disregard the reconsideration of its current model of agriculture. This reaction comes in spite of the clear fact that agriculture is experiencing an ecological, social and economic crisis. Some examples of this reality are: the marginalization of small farms by ever expanding industrial farms, the increasing pollution of rivers and lakes by toxic run-off from industrial farming, and conflicts - most notably surrounding the issue of pig farms - that are springing up in various regions.

We demand:

1. The abolition of the unionization monopoly held by UPA (Agricultural Producers Union of Quebec).

2. A restructuring of agricultural subsidies, in favor of small-scale organic farms over large-scale industrial farms.

3. A ban on the use of GMOs, synthetic pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones.

4. Justice for all migrant workers and respect for their rights; and full regularization of all on-status people.

We recognize that the lands we know as Quebec and Canada are stolen lands. As part of a global movement for self-determination our work is rooted in support and solidarity with indigenous struggles.