Brazilian rural movements and family farming

Family farming in Brazil is highlighted as a vital component for biodiversity preservation and food sovereignty. Data indicates that while family-managed farms occupy only 23% of the total land area, they represent approximately 77% of agricultural establishments and serve as primary contributors to the domestic food market. These operations often utilize low-impact techniques, such as Agroforestry Systems, to protect biomes and maintain community health.

In response to evolving challenges, sixty rural, forest, and water-based movements recently established a unified platform during the Encontro do Campo Unitário in Bahia. This platform seeks to challenge the expansion of agribusiness and defend territorial sovereignty.

Organizers, including leaders from the Landless Workers' Movement (MST), aim to address the modern realities of agrarian capitalism. The movements have identified several critical concerns, including the impact of large-scale energy transition megaprojects, the exploitation of rare earth elements on traditional territories, the privatization of water, and the rising use of pesticides. They also advocate for renewed agrarian reform to address ongoing land disputes involving approximately 200 million hectares.