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Most
of the network members have strong community-based activities and
active roles in national and international level campaigns and
advocacy work. The participation of the farming community, especially
women farmers and indigenous communities, through the member
organisations is very prominent, and perhaps the most unique feature
of the network.
The
SANFEC member organisations, in principle, do not claim to represent
farmers, or pretend to speak on behalf of the farming and food
producing communities. In fact, there is always a direct participation
of the farmers in major events, particularly where decisions are made
and discussed on vital policy issues. In the formal meetings of the
SANFEC members, the participation of the farmers is ensured and the
farmer to farmer linkage is built through regular exchange programs
and practical activities related to agriculture.
SANFEC works closely with international networks and organisations
having similar principles and objectives in order to articulate on a
global platform the concrete value of the local and grassroots
activities related to ecological agriculture. The implication of the
work of SANFEC, therefore goes beyond ‘local” and becomes national,
regional and global even while remaining consistent to local need,
ecology and culture.
There is no formality for joining the
network, except that individuals and organisations agree and put to
practice the principles spelled out in the Statement of Concern. The
Network takes positions in a very democratic and transparent manner.
In a series of meetings, SANFEC has spelled out their position on
biotechnology, GMOs, TRIPs and Intellectual Property Rights,
particularly on Article 27.3(b) and farmers’ rights. Membership
becomes formal only through participation in various activities
organized by SANFEC members. SANFEC is active in different countries
of South Asia. SANFEC is keen to develop strong linkages with the
ongoing women’s movement at the national, regional and global level,
as food is central to the issues of women’s struggles.
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