Author: Professor Andrzej Bobiec

The “Rzeszów Manifesto” is a new and significant document proposed by participants of the international conference “Multifunctional Farming: Landscape, People, Food, Ecology”, held at the University of Rzeszów on 16–18 September this year.

The initial draft of the document was prepared by Professor Andrzej Bobiec (University of Rzeszów) and Dr Aleksandra Bilewicz (Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development, Polish Academy of Sciences). Its final version is the outcome of discussions among an international group of scholars attending the conference, as well as consultations with the Carpathian Convention Secretariat.

The Manifesto highlights the irreplaceable role of traditional farming, based on the sustainable use of the natural productive and regenerative potential of the environment – including landscape, soils, and interactions between animals and vegetation, together with the processes of photosynthesis, humification, and mineralisation – in maintaining food security and fostering biocultural diversity.

It identifies the threats and factors responsible for the decline of these values, while also proposing solutions aimed at the socio-economic revitalisation of rural areas, drawing upon the rich heritage and experience of traditional agriculture.

We invite you to read the Rzeszów Manifesto and to join the growing group of signatories by signing the document at:
🔗 https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Rzeszow-Farming-Manifesto.