The politics of transnational agrarian movements (Via Campesina and IFAP) on genetically modified crops and agrofuels

Abstract

Mainstream agricultural development policy, in regards to alleviating hunger and poverty, has been biased in favour of the industrial model of production. The promotion of genetically modified (GM) crops and agrofuels following an industrial model, among others, is being part of the mainstream strategy to alleviate poverty and feed the world. Transnational agrarian movements such as the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) and La Via Campesina have taken policy and political positions on these two controversial and highly debated issues. Their positions are different, yet often they are conflated in the policy, political and academic literature, explicitly and implicitly treating transnational agrarian movements as a monolithic bloc. Yet these two movements at least are highly differentiated based on social class origin, ideology and political standpoint. This thesis argues that the implications of their differentiated take of IFAP and Via Campesina on GM crops and agrofuels have significant implications for both the rural poor and development policy.