Deep Roots is a new publication from U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that takes a closer look at the momentum generated by the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF) in 2014. According to FAO, the book examines “family farming policy development and actions at international, regional, national, municipal and local levels of activity. [The] commentaries will draw upon experiences around the world, reflecting how Governments [sic], civil society and other stakeholders focus on family farming to achieve social development goals and advance the well-being of societies.” Deep Roots highlights the benefits of family farming in supporting sustainable development, addressing a wide range of topics including family farming and its relationship to food security, balanced diets, and boosting local economies.
The 300-page, fully illustrated book includes the writings of over 100 authors—including Food Tank’s president, Danielle Nierenberg, who contributed a chapter entitled “Cultivating a revolution in agriculture for young people.” Examining the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, Nierenberg concludes, “It’s clear that the future of agriculture is in the hands of young people — whether they’re family farmers, cooks and chefs, entrepreneurs, teachers or scientists. To cultivate that next generation, governments, academics, businesses and the funding and donor communities need to provide the investment and funding they need to nourish both people and planet.” Other contributing authors include:
- Pablo Eyzaguierre and Margaret Ann Tutwiler of Bioversity International on “Agricultural biodiversity: An essential asset for the success and resilience of family farming”
- George Aley, Chair of the Future Farmers Network on “Supporting young Australian farmers to support and feed the region”
- Rasit Pertev, Secretary of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on “Investing in family farmers for the future we want”
- Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union on “National Farmers Union: We are all citizens of the world”
- Elizabeth Mpofu of La Via Campesina on “Food sovereignty: The bulwark of family farming and agrobiodiversity”
The printed edition of Deep Roots is being launched on November 27 at the IYFF closing ceremony in Manila, Philippines. The digital edition is currently available here.
