Understanding the value of family farming

2014 is International Year of Family Farming. Family farming covers family-based agricultural activities and is closely linked to several areas of rural development around the world. There are over 500 million family farms worldwide, and they manage some 56% of agricultural production on 56% of the land. Family farming organises agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour.

According to FAO, there are major reasons to raise awareness on family farming, one of which is their link to world food security. Family farms help preserve traditional food products and protect agro-biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. They are a boost to local economies especially when combined with policies aimed at social protection and well-being of communities.