Scarce commodity soil.

The close connection between farmers and their land not only shapes agricultural practice, but also the cultural identity in many places.

Smallholder farms play an essential role in preserving biodiversity, sustainable land use and the production of high-quality, regional products. However, limited access to land poses a challenge, particularly in view of increasing land consumption and the continuing loss of soil quality on existing agricultural land. Smallholder farmers are committed to protecting land as a vital resource and at the same time demand fair land prices. Measures to support agro-ecological agriculture, to maintain soil fertility and to secure land rights for smallholder communities are essential. Resource-conserving land use not only makes economic sense, but is also essential for long-term food sovereignty and environmental integrity in Austria and Europe.

Isabella Lang, Managing Director and Education Officer of the Via Campesina mountain and small farmers' association.