Humus Social Network. A horizontal aggregation of agro-organic cooperatives, associations and other organizations active in Italy on the fronts of organic farming and solidarity economy. With a willingness to work together, to stimulate the vitality of Italian organic farming. In its innate vocations of habitat preservation, nutrition and health, and solidarity.
Humus, meanings and values
The Latin word humus expresses a breadth and intensity that encompasses the meanings of land, country and district. It is precisely from the concept of humus that the word humility is derived, among other things. It was chosen to christen a network that practices organic farming to preserve organic soil fertility and thus the land, environment and nature. But also the dignity of the people who inhabit it.
The Humus Network ‘s efforts are aimed at promoting the practical application of organic farming in production and distribution chains. And to share its values among consumers. In the desire to give concrete meaning to the concepts of environment, health and solidarity that characterize this model.
The network has joined IFOAM(International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) in the bud, in which it actively participates. It is a member of the Leading Organic Alliance (LOA), the network of European bodies that advance national organic farming standards. And it shares the values that drive the Italian solidarity economy and fair trade(Fair Trade) movement.
Humus Network, the Charter of Principles
The ‘ Humus NetworkCharter of Principles and Good Practices‘ describes the project and outlines how it can be participated in, by all who share them. Agricultural producers, processors, distributors and consumers. The Humus Charter is based on four cornerstones, organic soil fertility, biodiversity protection, food goodness and social justice. With reference to the principles and values of organic farming affirmed by the IFOAM General Assembly, 2005 in Adelaide, AUS. Referring also to the FAO guidelines for assessing the sustainability of agriculture and food systems (SAFA Guidilines 3.0, Rome and 2013) and the values expressed in the ‘Charter of Fair Trade principles.
Establishing an Italian organic food community is the main aspiration of the Network. That is, to develop ideal conditions for cooperation and fair exchange among producers, processors, distributors, researchers and consumers. This requires the construction of a participatory system of guaranteeing organic processes and products, which goes beyond the certification and control system provided by mandatory standards. Fostering theeffective interaction of all social stakeholders from farm to fork.
‘Organic farming in Italy continues to grow-in terms of the number of farms producing and the quantity of products, distributed and consumed-despite the economic crisis of recent years. Economic difficulties have not led to a reduction in the consumption of organic products, either in Italy or in Europe. Thus, the overall quality of organic products remains a determining factor in the choices of millions of consumers.’ (Franco Zecchinato)
The Manifesto of the Humus Social Network is embodied in a series of concrete goals. Durable development (agroecology, intergenerational perspective), price equity and social relations (economics, labor and rights, inclusion), territorial social responsibility(peasant agriculture, value creation on territories, environmental restoration), product quality (natural foods with balanced nutritional profiles, flavor and taste).
Humus Network, the protagonists
One hundred pilot companies on the Italian territory, in production and distribution, have already adhered to the principles of the Humus Charter. Demonstration, training and participatory information initiatives have been initiated in the field in these settings. With data collection and monitoring to demonstrate how the shared principles actually translate into production and distribution reality. And how, always together, these data can be secured and communicated to market participants and consumers.
Business and civil society organizations join the Humus Network.
Cooperative The Earth and the Sky (Piticchio di Acervia, AN), Cooperative El Tamiso (Padua), Con.pro.bio Lucano, (Metaponto, MT), Useful good and organic network (Bari), Puglia Natura, (BA), Biolitalia (BA), Reggiolo (RE) bio network, Organic Agriculture Calabria-ABC (Sant’Onofrio, VV) Carpem naturam (Corigliano Calabro, CS), Green University Association (Bologna), Centro Antartide (BO), La Buona Terra Association (Puegnago del Garda, BS).
Official partners-who actively participate in the Humus Network Scientific Committee-are Cultural Foundation Ethical Responsibility (Ethical Bank), ISDE Italy (Doctors for the Environment Association), Center for Advanced Studies on Consumption and Communication (University of Bologna), Faitrade Italia (Italian Consortium of Faitrade brand users), Bioexperts Association. We will also apply for GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade), the site established by the benefit society Wiise(Workable Ideas and Initiatives for a Sustainable Economy) precisely to help realize these ideals.
#Égalité!
Maurizio Agostino and Dario Dongo
Agronomist engaged in organic farming since 1990, he works in the ABC Association (Organic Agriculture Calabria) and coordinates the Humus Network at national level. Evaluator of food safety and quality agro-industrial systems with CSQA Certifications, he also manages a small organic farm in the province of Vibo Valentia, producing extra virgin olive oil and organic vegetables.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
