The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) approves model laws on agroecology and agri-food cooperatives developed as part of its partnership with FAO
In the framework of the XXXVIII Ordinary and Commemorative Assembly of the 60th Anniversary of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), held in Panama City, Panama, on 5 and 6 December 2024, the General Assembly of Parlatino approved two new Model Laws.
The Development Law Service of the FAO Legal Office (LEGN) was pleased to be part of the technical-legal assistance that led to the adoption of the ‘Model Law on the Promotion of Agroecology’ and the ‘Model Law on Agrifood Cooperatives in Latin America and the Caribbean’.
The Model Law for the Promotion of Agroecology aims to promote sustainable and resilient agricultural practices throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, with an innovative framework that is poised to drive significant advances towards food security, the right to food and sustainable development.
FAO provided technical support in the development of the Model Law, based on its 2021 publication, ‘Legislating to Promote Agroecology in the Latin American and Caribbean Region: Guidelines for a PARLATINO Model Law on Agroecology’, which was drafted with the assistance of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). As part of the drafting process, FAO and the Brazilian association AS-PTA held three public consultations in the Caribbean, Mesoamerica and South America in 2023, involving parliamentarians, representatives of civil society, academia, farmers' organisations and international organisations.
The Model Law on Agrifood Cooperatives in Latin America and the Caribbean marks a milestone for the strengthening the role of agri-food cooperatives in rural development, food security, the right to food and sustainability. It recognises their capacity to generate more resilient, fair and equitable economies with greater sustainability and circularity.
The drafting process included a partnership with Cooperatives of the Americas and several participatory forums to shape an inclusive and transformative legal framework.
FAO reaffirms its commitment to continue working with Parlatino and its strategic partners to build a future without hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting more equitable and sustainable agrifood systems. Legislation can play a fundamental role in this agenda and LEGN will continue to support this effort together with the other Organization’s teams.
FAO - news article: PARLATINO unanimously approves Model Law for the Promotion of Agroecology