NOVEMBER 2023 EDITION
Stichting Boerengroep
Stichting Boerengroep is a student foundation of the WUR, fighting for social, just, and sustainable food production
Hello Boerengroep Community!
I trust you're enjoying the rainy autumn atmosphere and following the slower rhythm of Autumn. We are excited to share some recent developments within Boerengroep.
In our November newsletter, we will explore the Boerengroep community, shedding light on past events to inspire everyone to come join us in our movement for social justice and social change.
The reinvention of Boerengroep has commenced with the approval of the 2024-year plan, which is designed to help us find our position within the agroecology movement. We have an exciting year ahead, where we'll use art-based tools to emphasize the importance of the topics we are tackling.
This reinvention has begun with a more defined distribution of tasks, responsibilities, and ownership. We're delighted that many people participated in the event and contributed to shaping Boerengroep's Year Theme:
"Re-establishing unity among diverse stakeholders within the agroecology network for a sustainable food system transformation"
We are thrilled to reveal our strategy and invite you to join us on this journey of reinvention!
Re-inveting Boerengroep: Outcome?
We felt a disconnect between stakeholders in the movement, especially trying to find a necessary positionality within the grand scheme of things that Boerengroep once had and drifted away over the generations.
The following groups are areas in which Borengroep will be shaped to have meaningful volunteers helping out within their area of interest and expertise!
How does the strategy look like?
The tree diagram serves as a visual representation of our meticulously planned strategy. The roots symbolize the 'unseen' support contributed by the communication, outreach, and networking domains. Active Members oversee these crucial realms, strategically aligning themselves with categories they are most passionate about when their expertise is needed. These members play a pivotal role in sustaining the vital underground network.
The flourishing above-ground biomass, dependent on a well-maintained root system, embodies the growth fueled by the provided nutrients. This growth extends into three distinct branches, or shades, representing the organization's strategic investments:
To gain a deeper understanding of how to actively engage with Boerengroep, let's explore the working groups that emerged from collective efforts during the Re-invention event
The Working Groups
Active Members: This group comprises individuals actively involved in Boerengroep's daily operations, including board members and those responsible for specific tasks such as managing social media, editing content, and more. They are the core workforce of the organization, ensuring its day-to-day functions run smoothly.
Agroart: Designed for creative individuals and artists, the Agroart group focuses on integrating artistic expression into Boerengroep's initiatives. Members in this group use their creative talents to promote and communicate agroecology concepts and values through various art forms.
Networking: The Networking group is responsible for maintaining and expanding Boerengroep's connections and collaborations, both on a national and international scale. Each network has a designated representative who fosters relationships and partnerships to support the organization's mission.
Accessible Knowledge: This group is dedicated to making agroecology and farming knowledge more accessible to a broader audience beyond the university. Members work on developing strategies and projects to share valuable knowledge and information with the community and the public.
Political Action, Influence, and Discussion: This group focuses on advocating for agroecological and sustainable farming practices by engaging in political discussions, lobbying, and influencing policy decisions. They work towards creating a positive impact in the realm of agriculture and food systems.
Book Club: The Book Club, is a space for members to explore and discuss literature related to agriculture, agroecology, and related topics. It's a platform for intellectual exchange and deepening understanding through shared reading.
Podcast Crew: Integrated into the Boerengroep community, this group is responsible for creating and producing podcasts related to agroecology, farming, and sustainability. They aim to provide informative and engaging content through audio broadcasts, and anyone with an interest can contribute to ensuring the podcast's ongoing success in the future.
Feel free to join any group if you have any experience or hidden talent you would like to share with us!
OPENINGS: Semi-Formal roles
Wondering how you can actively contribute to Stichting Boerengroep? We've created semi-formal positions within our various working groups to effectively organize the diverse talents within our community. We encourage individuals to connect with us by showcasing their skills and expressing themselves in areas where they shine.
Feel free to reach out by sending us an email along with your CV and a motivation letter. We look forward to hearing from you!
HUMANS OF BOERENGROEP
Get to know the vibrant individuals who make up the heart and soul of Boerengroep in our "Humans of Boerengroep" section. We shine a spotlight on our diverse and passionate members, sharing their unique stories, interests, and contributions to our community. From students with a green thumb to creative enthusiasts and change-makers, this section celebrates the people who bring life and energy to our organization. Discover their journeys, inspirations, and the exciting projects they're involved in. It's a space where we connect on a personal level and celebrate the rich tapestry of talents that make Boerengroep thrive. Join us in getting to know the humans behind the scenes, and you might just find a kindred spirit!
Good morning,
I love Boerengroep.
My world would be opened on the trips with Boerengroep to the Reclaim the Seeds and the Food Autonomy Festivals. To learn about alternative initiatives by seeing them firsthand is amazing. There is a whole world of nice initiatives around agriculture. An Agro-ecologie Netwerk. ‘’So, I don’t have to invent THE agricultural practice in my studies?... Wauw, that is a relief…. But why are things now so shit then? …. Owh, it’s about power.’’
Now I am going to do my internship to learn about grassroots organizations in agriculture. As change for the better does not come from the people in power but must come from people organizing themselves.
Through Boerengroep, I get in contact with the revolutionary stories of the Zapatistas, the Landless Workers’ Movement, ASEED, and the Palestinian social fund. Through Boerengroep, I learned the stories of farmers in and around Wageningen. These stories have formed my analysis and my inspiration.
Furthermore, Boerengroep is just very good company. Even though our name is very Dutch, the community is international. We try to be democratic, and safe and inclusive.
I love Boerengroep.
Boerengroep serves as my gateway to revolutionary stories, grassroots movements, and diverse agricultural initiatives. It's not just about learning; it's about being part of a community that is international, democratic, safe, and inclusive.
Intern Insights: Tales from the Fields of Boerengroep
Share Your Internship Story!
Discover firsthand experiences as one of our past interns recounts their journey during their tenure from February to September 2023. This newsletter section is dedicated to former contributors, providing a glimpse into their unique paths with Boerengroep.
Ciao dear readers,
I am very happy to have recently concluded my studies in sociology (forest and nature conservation) with my internship at Boerengroep. Throughout the three year period I worked on my master's degree, I researched but also practiced political activism, and as such often questioned the means we were employing for the ends we were supposedly trying to achieve.
After finalizing my 1,5-year rumination (or MSc thesis) on spirituality and activism, in which I concluded that the 'means' and the 'ends' should be one and the same (as opposed to burned-out and disconnected activists trying to reach some abstract goal of abolishing capitalism), I came home in a space and concept where this theoretical finding was put into practice. At Boerengroep, I became acquainted with agroecology, and found my new home where the 'means' and the 'ends' did seem to collide.
Although I engaged with agroecology both theoretically and practically during my internship, by for instance writing a brochure on decolonizing agriculture and our food system or visiting and working on agroecological farms, I am yet unable to explain what agroecology really really is. I haven't lived and embodied it enough and thus my explanation would do injustice to the vast wisdom, depth and spirituality I think it holds. I have therefore sought out other people who have put it into words. Unfortunately, many definitions I have found in English are quite... sterile, mechanical and reductionist.
The Declaration of the International Forum for Agroecology in Nyéléni, Mali (2015), however contains profound words that capture the deep essence of agroecology. The first pillar of agroecology defines it as "a way of life and the language of Nature that we learn as her children". Although I disagree with using gendered pronouns to speak of Nature, I agree on a fundamental level that we are their children; that we are deeply intertwined with Nature. I also believe that if we stay quiet, listen, tune in and observe closely, we can learn not only to speak Nature's language, but also feel and enjoy the deep harmony and vibrations of this language as if we were chanting in Sanskrit after a yoga session. When we, then, collectively learn to sing Nature's language as a song, our hearts, bodies, minds and spirits come to life.
And that's what I believe agroecology to be all about: LIFE. This is where the means and the ends are entangled.
In our world, capitalism sucks the life out of everything it touches - music and arts, relationships and care work... It even manages to suck the life out of our life-giving and life-bearing wonders: sex, pregnancy, and birth.
But not only our human life-giving and life-bearing wonders are affected; it is also those of the lives we consider our 'food' - plants and non-human animals. Soils are pumped full of toxins; plants are grown in labs and their components are patented; animals are placed in small cages, and calves (with mammalian needs such as touch) are ripped away from their mothers.
The capitalist commodification of life sounds, in fact, like death, and the targets of this system are disproportionately more-than-human beings; our lands; women and queer people, and BIPOC* people. It happens to be these exact beings that feed us.
Agroecology is about restoring and valuing these lives, but also our plurality of cultures, in all of their dignity, and enabling them to flourish in co-existence.
I left my internship feeling deeply inspired by the life I saw and felt on agroecological farms; the people and the networks that I have met, and the lively agroecological futures we envisioned together.
That said, I acknowledge that I speak from the positionality of a White Dutch, highly educated person who has now 'seen the light' and romanticises the tough realities that (agroecological) farmers face everyday, whilst continuing a life in relative luxury. There is a lot of work to be done from my side, and by people like me.?
During my internship I attempted to make a start: I wrote a brochure on decolonising agriculture, proposing certain workshops that can be facilitated in groups whilst highlighting the role that Dutch institutions (including WUR) have played and continue to play in creating and maintaining global colonial power dynamics. I invite you to have a look at this brochure, do your own research, and/or join a working group at Boerengroep or at one of our allies so that we can put the theoretical work that I did to practice.
I hope to see you or feel free to reach out at [email protected]
Cheers
Alex
What is in the works?
Reflecting on the past, we had a fantastic time during the Alternative Break dedicated to Improvisation Theatre. Mariana Figallo, the coordinator of our sister organization, Inspiring Theatre, led us through an immersive exploration of the theatrical realm. Through impersonation, small acts, engaging games, and enjoyable activities, she skillfully guided us closer to the themes of women, youth, food security, technology, policies, and more.
This month, we want to highlight the powerful synergy between art and science, underscoring the crucial role of art-based tools in fulfilling our mission. Our goal is to communicate science in a tangible and interactive manner, and we believe that the fusion of art and science amplifies the impact of this endeavor.
Boerengroep, in collaboration with InspringTheater, is thrilled to be part of the Food.Film.Fest 2023. From November 10 to December 10, 2023, we're diving into the world of inspiring films that shed light on transformative approaches to our food systems. We believe in the powerful synergy between art and science, and this festival provides a perfect platform to amplify that belief.
Screening Dates:
领英推荐
We welcome all to join us for these eye-opening screenings!
We are genuinely excited to be part of this year's Food. Film.Fest 2023, organized by Voedsel Anders. Let's come together, learn, and be inspired!
See you at the screenings!
Register here
As usual, if we do not see you at the screenings, we have other meeting dates and times for our bi-monthly Open Meetings (formal meetings) and Breaks (informal meetings), here is the upcoming schedule:
21 November.?Boerengroep Open Meeting?-?18:00 at Clock House (Generaal Foulkesweg 37, 6703 BL Wageningen)
30 November.?Boerengroep Alternative Break)?- Movie Night & Discussion at MovieW- 19:30? (Wilhelminaweg 3A, 6703 CC Wageningen)
5 December.?Boerengroep Open Meeting?- same same
7 December.?Boerengroep Alternative Break- Movie Night & Discussion? at Movie W- 19:30 (Wilhelminaweg 3A, 6703 CC Wageningen))
14 December.?Boerengroep Alternative Break- LOCATION TBD
We like to start our open meetings with a potluck, so be welcome to come at 18:00 to have food with us!
DIGGING DEEPER
THE FIRST BOERENGROEP PODCAST!
Born with the necessity to bridge the gap between local, national, and international members. In the efforts of advocating for inclusive alternative education means, we opened the gates of an online community to also follow the journey of Boerengroep :)
We are happy that our coordinator, Lisanne Slager, part of the Fair Future Generators traineeship, decided to accept the challenge and help us in the venture for the community to feel more engaged!
The podcast takes you on a journey through the intricate landscapes of agriculture. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or someone curious about the roots of your food, we're here to explore it all.
In this podcast, we venture beyond the fields of the Netherlands, reaching the far corners of the globe, to unravel the diverse facets of agricultural matters and practices. From the hands-on experiences of practitioners to the insights of leading scientists, we bring you a comprehensive view of the agricultural world.
Our mission is clear—we're on a quest for a social, just, and sustainable food system that nourishes both people and the planet. Join us on this meaningful journey as we strive to educate and inspire, episode by episode.
Today's installment promises to be a captivating exploration of a topic that sits at the heart of our mission. So, buckle up, engage your curiosity, and let's start digging deeper together. Thank you for being part of this mission; we couldn't embark on this journey without you. Now, without further ado, please keep yourself interested and get ready for the release of the first episodes coming out soon!
EVENTS COMING UP
Activism & Discussion
UNVEILING AGRIBUSINESS: DEMANDING CHANGE AT WUR
Our university's involvement in destructive industrial agriculture demands action. If you are passionate about creating a positive impact, join us on November 23rd at 19:45 in the Impulse building for an enlightening session. Two speakers will illuminate WUR's collaborations with exploitative agribusiness and their adverse effects on scientific integrity.
Following the insightful talks, we'll channel our collective efforts through various activist organizations to instigate change at WUR. Let's rally for an independent WUR that serves all—people, beings, and the planet. Together, we'll push the university to sever ties with big agribusiness, embrace democracy, and strive for a just agroecological food system.
Whether you find yourself inclined towards impactful activism and discussions or you simply seek to gain a deeper understanding of the topic, both motivations are meaningful. They offer a unique opportunity to actively engage with the critical issues concerning our university and the future of our food systems.
INSIGHTS FROM THE COMMUNITY
Did the World Food Forum 2023 create a playground for youth?
An insider from our community attended the FAO World Food Forum 2023 and here are some ideas he gathered from it:
Hello Boerengroup members and agroecologists! It is great to be back from Rome and share with you my experiences at the World Food Forum (WFF). A month ago I read the amazing Boerengroup October newsletter, and this part caught my attention:
“This year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is hosting the World Food Forum from October 16-20. We are concerned that large corporations may use this platform for their interests.”
Another corporate capture at a global food system event? I am not too surprised by this narrative anymore as some claimed that the global food governance structure has been reorganized by the United Nations Food Systems Summit. I thought to myself: maybe it will not be too bad! Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.
What happened exactly at the WFF? Here are the main insights I want to share:
On the first day (October 16) I arrived early to beat the long waiting queues and waited for the President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, the Lesotho King Letsie III, and Prince Hassan bin Talal from Jordan to arrive at FAO because there was no other event to attend. After these national leaders entered the plenary room, it was my turn to get into the room. Guess what? I was denied entry because the room was only reserved for officials, national delegates, and high-level representatives. Classic arrangement. Afterward, I learned that in the plenary room, leaders, officials, and representatives came up to the stage and presented their statements. From a scientific point of view, most of their speech stayed generic. I did not miss out too much.?
One-way statements from high-level representatives and national delegates are very common at global events like the WFF. In some youth-led events, they were invited to deliver a statement, but some left the room immediately afterward. Wouldn’t it be better to use the time for something else?
Initially, I got quite excited about the youth-led “Youth Assembly” in which youth from different regions were expected to discuss ideas related to the policy recommendations selected by the Youth Policy Board. Perhaps I anticipated it to be somewhat similar to a Citizens’ Assembly for Food Policy. In reality, I had a 2-hour session for the Europe and Central Asia region. We first spent 10-15 minutes listening to national delegates giving statements (yes, again) and another 1 hour listening to a presentation about food loss and waste in Europe and Central Asia. After these long talks, it was finally our turn to contribute! We got put into groups of 10 people to discuss for 20 minutes. Of course, you would not have so many opportunities to exchange with each other. All of our ideas were eventually condensed into a brief 3-minute presentation from representatives from each group. And yes: I did not hear my idea being mentioned in the presentation.
One might say that we should not be too critical of the arrangement. Since these assemblies were organized by youth, we should have fewer expectations and be more lenient. But let me remind you that WFF presents itself as “the premier global forum to harness the passion and power of youth to identify solutions and incite positive action for agrifood systems transformation”, “acts as major youth platform in global food governance”, and “serves as a global think tank that fosters youth-led solutions in innovation, science, technology and education”. The Youth Assembly must improve its deliberation process by adopting appropriate dialogue tools and recruiting youth who can facilitate effective group discussions so that dialogues are inclusive and meaningful. Youth Policy Board members should not fully shoulder these responsibilities given that they serve voluntarily for around 10 hours per week. If WFF was taking the youth-led assembly seriously, they would have dedicated substantially more financial and human resources to it. For example, they could have supported the youth mechanism with good practice principles for deliberative processes.
Another question is who will follow up on the policy output of the Youth Assembly: The 2024 Global Action Plan. Ideally, the action plan will provide strategic guidance, set measurable targets, and delineate actionable steps to be undertaken at regional, national, and local levels. However, we must first question whether the 2024 Global Action Plan will be a legitimate political decision. Normally, countries only consider political decisions as a result of negotiations with international bodies like the Committee on World Food Security. Is the WFF simply creating a youth mechanism and suggesting that youth will make an impact because they have crafted altogether a policy plan which has little to unknown political legitimacy? Moreover, as a youth delegate from academia, WFF did not arrange anything for us to formally engage with the WFF Young Scientist Group, which was certainly a missed opportunity for sharing perspectives. Their publication Opportunities and Barriers for Advancing Agrifood Systems is certainly a thought-provoking read, which points out that multilateral instead of multi-stakeholder processes can better address some of the
imbalances present in global governance events, such as the United Nations Food Systems Summit. To what extent will the policy recommendations of the Young Scientist Group contribute to the policy output of the Youth Assembly? Can we bring down or reform the United Nations Food Systems Summit with the youth mechanism? Will policymakers actually care about the Global Action Plan, which has been created by mainly youth volunteers? Distinguishing between tokenism and meaningful youth participation is becoming more difficult than identifying AI-generated images from the real ones.
Damn, Nathan! You are taking things too seriously again. It was just a 5-day event that separated youth from the FAO Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum held in parallel, which provides a platform for national authorities to present investment opportunities to investors, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and donors. In the opening speech, many high-level officials emphasized that we should not work in silos. In reality, the private sector and philanthropies were mostly not in the same room as youth, just like parents leaving their children in the playground of a shopping mall. I guess those investors had more important things to do.?
About the author of the piece:
Shun Hei (Nathan) Lee participated in the Farm Experience Internship 2021. He is currently an MSc Environmental Sciences student at ETH Zürich and a member of the Food and Agriculture Working Group of YOUNGO, the Official Youth Consitutency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This blog post only represents his personal views and not the views of his affiliated organizations.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Food Autonomy Festival 2024
Are you passionate about activism, grassroots organizing, and advocating for fair and sustainable food systems? Join us as an intern for the Food Autonomy Festival, our flagship event in May or June. Collaborate closely with coordinators, administrators, and the team, contributing to a specific Working Group (Fundraising, Communications & Media, Logistics, or Awareness). This part-time (20 hours/week), 6-8 month position is based in Amsterdam, requiring on-site work. The internship is unpaid, and suitable for those in support programs like Erasmus+. Apply by December 4th with a short motivation letter and CV to [email protected] and [email protected]. For details, visit Internship Details ????
What's in SEASON?
In our "What's in Season" rubric, we're excited to showcase the culinary talents of our community members, including active participants and dedicated board members. Each month, we'll feature a selection of delectable seasonal recipes that highlight the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of using locally available produce. We believe that cooking with seasonal vegetables not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also supports sustainable agriculture. By exploring these recipes, we aim to inspire your creativity in the kitchen while encouraging you to make the most of what nature provides throughout the year. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an enthusiastic food lover, our monthly recipes are designed to delight your taste buds and promote the joys of cooking with the freshest ingredients. Join us on this culinary journey, and let's celebrate the beauty of seasonal eating together!
Newsletter Feature: What's in Season with Nita Van Dam's Culinary Creations! ????
Greetings, Boerengroep community!
In this special edition of our "What's in Season" section, we're delighted to bring you a unique treat from none other than Nita Van Dam. Some time ago, Nita participated in a cooking competition that sparked her creativity and passion for conscious and local cooking.
Here's what Nita had to say about her culinary adventure:
"My professor forwarded me an email about a cooking competition. Though I cook almost every day, I had never thought about competing before. The rules emphasized using local ingredients, and since cooking consciously is very important to me, I got excited. Looking at the ingredients for the recipe, I decided to create something new using as many local ingredients as possible. Opting for a vegetarian entrée, I wanted to craft something that more people could enjoy.
The inspiration for this dish comes from a recipe I learned while studying in Taiwan. The goal is to incorporate different flavors through each layer that can be enjoyed separately or together in one flavorful bite."
Guess what? Nita graciously agreed to share her winning recipes with the Boerengroep community! Stay tuned for a delectable journey through locally sourced, consciously crafted dishes that bring a touch of Taiwan to our Dutch kitchens.
Keep an eye out for this month's "What's in Season" to savor Nita Van Dam's culinary creations. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and discover the joy of cooking with local and sustainable ingredients.
Bon appétit!
Warm regards, Boerengroep Team
What is Stichting Boerengroep??
Boerengroep?is a critical organization that organizes lectures and interactive events to raise awareness about the challenges and alternatives in agriculture.
We have bi-monthly board meetings on Tuesdays, where anyone interested in helping organize events can join, and every alternate Thursday we organize informal meet-ups:?Boerengroep?Breaks!