São Paulo organizations demand agroecology commitments from candidates

Civil society organizations in São Paulo have launched the ‘Agroecology in the Elections in SP’ campaign, seeking formal commitments from executive and legislative candidates regarding sustainable production and food security.

Led by groups including the Articulação Paulista de Agroecologia, the Movimento Urbano de Agroecologia (Muda), the Campanha Permanente Contra os Agrotóxicos, and the Coletivo Banquetaço, the initiative has the support of over 20 organizations, such as the MST-SP and the Associação Brasileira de Reforma Agrária.

Key demands include technical and economic incentives for family farmers, indigenous communities, quilombolas, and land reform settlers. The groups also advocate for the state-wide implementation of the National Policy for Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (PNAUP) and the creation of community gardens in public services and schools.

Regarding environmental protection, the letter calls for an immediate ban on aerial pesticide spraying near schools, water sources, and communities. Additionally, the organizations propose the establishment of state public laboratories to monitor pesticide residues in food and water.