Another setback towards sustainable agriculture and food
The agri-food OPE aims to develop the entire agri-food chain, digitising processes and incorporating knowledge and innovation. Beyond this overall objective, it proposes three strategic objectives: 1) competitiveness, 2) sustainability and 3) traceability and security. The fourth transversal objective is the so-called demographic challenge. The OPE approved in February 2022 received a public investment of €1,002.91 million, divided into three action lines: 1) 400 M€ for the strengthening of the agro-food industry for the automation and digitization of processes (data, logistics, modernization of machinery, replacement by renewable materials..); 2) 454.35 M€ for the digitalisation of the agri-food sector, highlighting the Digital Kit, which represents 27% of the total funding, and 3) Agri-food research 148.56 M€ for the R+D+i Agri-food and R+D+i Ciencias del Mar programmes.
Responsible for this OPE are the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The governance model for the development of the OPE consists of two levels, one inter-ministerial and the other public-private cooperation (PTP).
Analyzing the objectives, data and implementation pathways from an ecofeminist point of view, six main elements should be highlighted: 1) Delves deeper into the productive model, which depends on technologies and materials, without questioning the eco-social limitations of the food production model and its effects and implications; 2) It is financing for the digital and robotic food industry and not for a more sustainable and resilient agri-food sector; 3) It seeks agriculture without farmers, with agriculture 4.0: blockchain, technology of things and artificial agriculture, precision and artificial agriculture. This line joins and drives a series of agro-industrial megaprojects and digitalized infrastructures that we already see in Euskal Herria; 4) The narrative associates the systemic crisis with business opportunities and messages of equal opportunities; and wants to make it believe that growth is compatible with the fight against climate change, the sustainable management of energy and materials, the demographic challenge or generational renewal, as well as with the creation of young women and jobs. 5) The governance model makes transparency, participation and control mechanisms difficult, rejecting public-public and/or public-community alliances; and 6) Radically disconnects food consumption and territory.
From an ecofeminist perspective, it is necessary to explain the keys to the debate. In fact, to address fundamental problems it is necessary to relocate socio-economic processes, relocating the food system and reducing the marketing chains. It is time to adapt public proposals to the frameworks of the planet and to reorganize the fundamental tasks and needs to increase the work and value of the food of farmers and to reduce the harmful and unnecessary production and feeding models. On the basis of these keys, the eco-feminist networks have a fruitful road ahead, but the agri-food OPE is a new dark setback in agriculture and in general in the democratization and care of a sustainable and healthy food system.
-> A missed opportunity for ecofeminist water transition
Zu idazle
Zientzia aldizkaria
