International Solidarity Caravan for Seeds – The Declaration of Florence

26 May 2014

 - Great success for the International Solidarity Caravan for Seeds, organised by Navdanya International with Peliti (Greece) and Kokopelli (France). Over forty representatives of various European associations have travelled from Greece to France and through Italy, distributing free seeds and organising public meetings to explain the significant risks run by traditional agriculture in case Europe opts for seed regulations which are designed to favour the economic interests of big corporations.

Over 3,000 people attended the 14th Pan-hellenic Exchange of Local Varieties Festival organised by Peliti in Greece. From there the Caravan – led by Indian scientist Vandana Shiva – left to get to Italy, to join the Seed, Food and Earth Democracy Festival in Florence, which – as well – attracted thousands of visitors. The Festival was the opportunity for the European Movements to meet and draft the Florence Declaration on Seed Freedom, Food Freedom and Earth Democracy, a manifesto in which they take a stand and list the key principles for the affirmation of a real “Earth Democracy”.