This weekend, thousands of people in Berlin will raise the alarm for sustainable farming, the reduction of food waste, and fair reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This evening, Slow Food Deutschland, in collaboration with partner organizations, will host the world’s biggest Disco Soup (Schnippeldisko), which will shine the spotlight on the persistent food waste problem in Europe. Meanwhile, on Saturday, a broad coalition of more than 50 agricultural and civil society organizations together with tens of thousands of protesters will march through the streets of Berlin with the motto “We are fed up – food is political!” (ger. Wir haben es satt!), asking for immediate climate-friendly changes in agriculture.
Disco Soup Against Food Waste
Today, on the eve of the demonstration in Berlin, the biggest disco soup in the world #Schnippeldisko will open its doors for the 8th time to hundreds of people. 1500 kg of unwanted vegetables will be used for the vegan soup. Many fresh vegetables and fruits end up being wasted simply because they do not meet the supposed market expectations– they are either too big or too small, they do not have a perfect shape or perfect color. The Disco Soup will gather Berliners and visitors to the city alike, joining togther not only to dance to the DJ’s music and eat delicious soup, but to discuss important issues concerning food waste, the agricultural industry, or mass animal husbandry. According to the European Commission, around 88 million tonnes of food waste are generated annually with associated costs estimated at 143 billion euros. Meanwhile, a report which analyzed food waste in the United Kingdom, showed that up to two-fifths of a fruit or vegetable crop can be wasted simply because it is “ugly”.
Alarm for Sustainable Farming
Meanwhile, on Saturday, for the 9th consecutive year, thousands of people armed with pots and pans, will raise the alarm for sustainable farming in the streets of Berlin, and ask for a climate-friendly food system, good food and the continuation of small-scale, community-based farming. Within the framework of the current CAP, those who own the most land receive the most money, regardless of their farming methods. Over 100,000 mainly small-scale farms have disappeared in Germany over the past decade. The effects of that are devastating: rural communities are vanishing; monocultures prevail and biodiversity is being lost at a dramatic pace. Germany, like many other European countries, faces increasing antibiotic resistance, growing numbers of factory farms, and glyphosate use. More and more farms in Europe are, however, showing an interest in animal welfare, and in protecting the soil and the climate while producing good food. Organizations involved believe that instead of propping up agro-industries, politicians should support the determination of small-scale farmers to keep climate-friendly, sustainable farms, which are the future of agriculture.
Together we stand and vote with our forks for a farming revolution: for diversity, equality and sustainability
Indre Anskaityte, Slow Food Europe