Silvia Sivini and Irene Leonardelli, colleagues and partners in the FLIARA Project, presented the FLIARA objectives and early results from an Italian farming case study at the VII AGROMIG International Seminar “Migrations, Agrifood, and Rural Change,” held at the University of Calabria on May 23–24, 2024. The seminar aimed to delve into the intricate relationship between migration, agrifood, and rural sectors, offering a platform for comparative analysis across different regions and countries.
The FLIARA Project, focused on gender equality in agriculture, collaborated with the SWIFT Project, which supports women-led innovation in farming and rural territories. This synergy enriched the seminar’s discourse, shedding light on the role of women and LGBTQI+ individuals in advancing agroecological practices and promoting gender equality. The SWIFT Project, a Horizon Europe initiative, aims to empower these groups within the agricultural sector, addressing systemic inequalities and fostering inclusive development.
Throughout the seminar, the multifaceted nature of migration was a central theme, highlighting both outmigration and inmigration as critical indicators of social change in agrifood and rural areas. Scholars presented case studies from Europe, including Italy, Greece, Belgium, Spain, and Germany, as well as from Turkey, Morocco, and Brazil, illustrating the pervasive issue of migrant exploitation in agriculture. These presentations underscored the harsh realities faced by migrant farmworkers, such as poor working conditions, low wages, and inadequate living standards, even in legally contracted situations.
Particularly concerning were the conditions of women farmworkers, who often face sexual violence and lack proper hygiene facilities. The seminar emphasised the need for policies that address the specific needs of women in the agricultural workforce, advocating for better support systems and public services to enhance their employment and mobility.
The discussions revealed that even large organic farms, which promote sustainable and healthy products, do not necessarily provide better working conditions or rights for their workers, highlighting a disconnect between environmental sustainability and social justice. This paradox points to the need for a more integrated approach to agrifood policies that considers both ecological and human factors.
Despite these challenges, the seminar also highlighted grassroots initiatives and activist movements working to defend migrant rights and improve their conditions. Notably, women farmworkers have been at the forefront of these efforts, organising collective actions to fight for their rights. Examples from Italy and Spain showcased how these movements are gaining traction and making a difference.
The FLIARA Project, as presented by Sivini and Leonardelli, focuses on women entrepreneurs in farming and rural development. By sharing the stories of women innovators and the challenges they face, FLIARA aims to inform EU policies on environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Their presentation underscored the project’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in rural contexts, aligning with the broader goals of the VII AGROMIG International Seminar.
For more information on the SWIFT Project and its initiatives, visit swiftproject.eu.