How can small farmers survive
by producing basic grains for the local and national markets when
subsidized imports of corn from the industrialized countries are
cheaper? In Mexico thousands of small farmers have stopped planting
corn and moved to cities. Free trade agreements are putting an
end to small farms in poor countries. Such changes also bring
about changes in culture. We’re not against modernization,
but we value cultural and ethnic diversity. Isn’t the present
economic model counting on cheap labor in Third World cities and
looking at them more as consumers rather than exporters?
The concept of food sovereignty is an alternative model to the
dominant model. Perhaps it is not enough just to be against TLC
and CAFTA, we have to be for something, too. Food sovereignty
is the simple concept that people ought to control the quantity
and quality of their own food. The concept is based on local production
for local markets grown in harmony with the environment. It also
places importance on the control and use of natural resources
and advocacy by organized and aware communities.
When I consider all the factors lined up against people like
Don Ines, I find a deep respect for what he is doing against all
odds. I find I really value an agro-ecological model that emphasizes
local production for a local market. Some local foods, traditions,
and cultural values may be carried on only by people like Don
Ines. What impressed me most of all was that two of his sons are
carrying on the traditions that they have learned from their father.
Will they stay on the land and make their own economic model of
food sovereignty and farm culture work? Can they receive some
of the benefits of globalization, such as access to information
and educational opportunities while maintaining their cultural
heritage? We hope that the answer to both questions is “yes,”
and we feel that it is very worthwhile to strengthen the network
of supportive alliances that may help them have success.
These past months have been very busy for us, with many mission
teams and Heifer study tours coming to Honduras. We have seen
God’s love expressed for all people. We have been impressed
by how people’s hearts and minds have been opened up during
their visits, as they have become aware of the different faces
of poverty and the holistic efforts to overcome it. One village
in particular stands out, where farming efforts have progressed
to the point that people are moving back with new hope to the
village from the big factories around San Pedro Sula.
Our daughters are all well. Grace has finished her first year
of college as a biology major and has been up to the challenges
of many science and math courses. Pamela and Marsha are both finishing
their year as Americorp volunteers and thinking about studing
at the graduate level. Thank you for all of the communications
of support for our activities and for the wonderful personal ties
of solidarity as human beings. We are very grateful for this and
for this opportunity to serve others.
Peace,
Tim and Gloria
The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
58 |
