Real Farming Trust Director, Clare Horrell, reports from the Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA) Good Food, Good Farming March in London on October 15th 2022. It’s not too late to read the LWA demands and join a Day of Action.
Farmers Take Action
On a warm autumnal Saturday, the LWA brought folk from near and far to London to call for food justice as part of a series of pan-European Days of Action for Good Food, Good Farming.
There could be no one better than the legendary Gerald Miles to lead the way, driving his tractor down Whitehall, past Downing Street, through Trafalgar Square and along Pall Mall. He had driven for four days from Pembrokeshire to be at the event and his enthusiasm and energy for the cause was as bright as ever, making an inspiring start to the march.
United for Whole Systems Change
The last such march happened pre-Covid and it was noticeable how numbers had swelled and how many of the new protestors were young. From GMOs to food waste, to pleas to save our seeds and our seas, and calls for land justice, striking banners addressed the many issues of our broken food system. As ever, there was plenty of room for myriad puns with signs demanding that money stops “leeking” away from farmers. Despite the sorry state of our political, social and environmental landscape the mood was positive, with many voicing the view that together we are “unbeetable”.
Concern about the future of ELMs was palpable, and calls for respect for farmers, food sovereignty, and agroecology were strong and clear. Props and costumes inspired by both animal and plant life played well with the public, and passing people were interested to take materials and engage in conversation about the issues raised.
Fuelling Hope
A fabulous lunch made in the Grenfell community kitchen was served to the hungry walkers on their return, while their souls were nourished with stirring speeches from LWA, Right to Roam, Flame, GM Freeze and the Right to Food campaign. Farmers, growers, activists and campaigners left the march refreshed and re-energised to go and change the world.