Family Farming (which includes all family-based agricultural activities) is a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour, including both women’s and men’s. The family and the farm are linked, co-evolve and combine economic, environmental, social and cultural functions.

A region where diverse, healthy and sustainable food and agricultural systems flourish, where resilient rural and urban communities enjoy a high quality of life in dignity, equity, free from hunger and poverty.

Family farming is essential to achieve this vision. Sensible policies, programs and regulations considering the needs of present and future generations must protect and expand the agency, inclusion and economic capacity of family farmers, putting their diversity at the centre of sustainable development and contributing to the Agenda 2030. This journey must start now.

About the launch of the Decade of family farming in the region

FAO, IFAD and key partners are organizing an event on that brings together all relevant stakeholders (including: ministries, farmers’ organizations, civil society, research institutions, regional bodies, and relevant international organizations among others to shed the light on the importance of family farming in achieving the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.