INOFO follow up questions to participants
Answered by Karina David December 2023
1. Was COP28 talking about agriculture? And organic approach?
Yes, for the first time food systems got space and visibility at COP. Already in the first days of COP28, we had the UAE declaration on food systems, which was signed by more than 130 countries. The declaration is not the best, it miss commitments, but it can already be considered a step forward when compared to other COPS where food systems was not given much prominence.
As INOFO, we took part in more than 6 panels where we talked about organic farming/agroecology as a solution to the climate crisis, and it was very important to see that our work with organic farming is gaining relevance, but there still needs to be a huge increase in the number of farmers taking part in the COP, it is essential to give us farmers a voice and a space in spaces like the COP.
2. As an organic farmer, member of a local, national and international organizations working with organic agriculture, how is your perspective about the outcomes from this COP28?
As an organic farmer and part of organizations from local to global levels, I felt very honored to note that our work is part of the solutions to face the climate crisis, that we know very well what we are doing and that the world needs to listen to us and support the expansion of our work to more families, it’s urgent and we don’t have time to wait!
It was very gratifying to be able to take part in such a high-profile event as the COP, to have the space to speak and to stand out. I believe that we can organize ourselves better with organic farmers to accompany the agricultural negotiations, but it’s a parallel work that needs a team focused on this COP instance, but we certainly need to be in these spaces as INOFO for the next COPS.
The COP is a fertile ground for sowing seeds, so it’s a great place to meet people with the same agendas or who are open to supporting work like ours. Making connections was a key point of our participation in the COP, and we’re sure to reap many harvests from these seeds sown.
3. How can Farmers influence the final decisions at cop? How can farmers be better represented at COP?
Influencing decisions is not a specific COP’s job, but a whole period between COPS, and I believe that it is extremely important to have organized organic farmers to participate in the negotiations, both in the pre-conferences and in the negotiations at COP climate, as well as COP biodiversity.
to have a better representation of organic farmers in spaces such as pre-conferences and conferences, we need support, not only to be present but also to prepare ourselves to be present, financial support!
4. What were the highlights and what was the biggest surprise?
My highlights were the great participation of agricultural organizations in panels; and the food systems being the center of discussions.
My biggest surprise was finding the right people in the right place, open to talking and listening and talking too. It was a great partnerships!
5. Any follow up steps till the next COP29 in Azerbaijan?
It would be wonderful to be able to organize to get involved in the agriculture negotiations, both for COP 29 and for COP biodiversity. And also to refine the contacts made with possible partnerships.
6. Did you enjoy yourself? Is Dubai beautiful? How about the food?
I really enjoyed the experience, I am very grateful to INOFO for this opportunity, going with Global Alliance was fundamental, they are incredible. I’m going back to Brazil with a great desire to participate more and continue the work I started at COP28. For me, I want to see Dubai planting more trees. From my perspective it is a place missing the values we as organic farmers and organic organization represent and live. But the food was incredible, as there were so many foreigners, I ate a lot of good Indian food, which I love!
Please click https://inofo.bio/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/INOFO-COP-28-Report-2023-1.pdf to find a detailed Experience report compiled by Karina David.