On Sunday, dozens of farmers, activists, and concerned citizens in Ghent brought the International Day of Peasant Struggle to life with a striking demonstration.
They transported wheelbarrows full of soil from the outskirts of the city to the Stadshal, where the soil was symbolically poured out to highlight the growing struggle for access to agricultural land.
The event was organised by FIAN Belgium, Boerenforum, De Landbouwbrigades, and Extinction Rebellion. They called attention to increasing issues related to access to farmland, including speculation, unaffordable prices, and insecure lease contracts.
“When farmland is primarily used for profit, local food production is jeopardised,” warned the activists. In Belgium, the price of agricultural land has increased by 92% in ten years. Since 1980, the number of farms has decreased by 81%. Many farmers struggle to access affordable and stable land, threatening sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
The campaigners are advocating for stronger land policies. After the procession, there were discussion tables involving farmers, experts, and citizens. These conversations produced sharp analyses and urgent appeals, emphasising the need for long-term security through stable lease agreements, a halt to land speculation, and the preservation of public lands for local, agro-ecological farming.
Related News
- Beef prices in Belgium highest in years
- Farmer who suffocated his daughters gets eight months for harassing ex-wife
- A hundred hectares up in smoke in forest fire in Achouffe
“Land is not a commodity; it is a basic right. Without access to land, there is no food. Without farmers, there is no future,” they asserted.
Ghent was specifically chosen for this demonstration due to its progressive food policy and the lease of 1,800 hectares of farmland to approximately 160 farmers. However, budget cuts threaten to undermine these efforts.
“What is a pioneering initiative today could become a missed opportunity tomorrow if we do not actively protect public agricultural land,” warned the activists. They concluded with a clear message: “Caring for land means caring for our farmers. Caring for farmers means caring for our food.”
