2014.03 IMPACT ON LOCAL POPULATIONS OF GLOBAL RUSH TO ACQUIRE FARMLAND
Whereas 1: Since 2008 there has been an unprecedented rush to buy up farmland in Africa, South America, and Asia with countries wanting to feed their populations and produce bio-fuels; and
Whereas 2: Few of these land investments benefit local people with small local farmers, who produce most of the developing countries’ food, being relocated and the land either being left idle or growing crops for export; and
Whereas 3: Oxfam claims that since 2008, 21 formal complaints have been brought by communities affected by World Bank investments in which they claim that their land rights have been violated; and
Whereas 4: Sales of land in developing countries have been led by farm conglomerates but are backed by western hedge and pension funds, and speculators;
Therefore be it Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that any land takeover by a foreign investor not be detrimental to the indigenous farmer, rural communities, or the local food supply; and
Resolved 2
That NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Urge the World Bank to design policies for its investments in large-scale land acquisitions to ensure a more equitable benefit to local farmers and/or rural communities;
b. Promote land investments that are collaborative such as joint ventures or outgrower schemes;
c. Insist that Canadian investors conduct impact assessments on their activities to avoid adverse effects on local farmers and/or rural communities;
Resolved 3
That NCWC urge the International Council of Women to urge its national members to:
a. Urge the World Bank to design its investments in large-scale land acquisitions to ensure a more equitable benefit to local farmers and/or rural communities;
b. Promote land investments that are collaborative such as joint ventures or outgrower schemes;
c. Insist that their investors conduct impact assessments on their activities to avoid adverse effects on local farmers and/or rural communities;
d. Where applicable, urge their governments to enact laws to protect local farmers and/or rural communities from being relocated.