The organic movement should convert its four principles – Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care – into a set of four demands, “regardless of whether it challenges existing power structures”.
That’s the view of the organic advocate and climate activist Ronald van Marlen, who says that the urgency of our times demands that the organic movement should be clear about “what it fights and strives for”.
Needed – a game changer
Van Marlen says that organic’s foundational principles are important in setting out rules and aspirations, but they “are not a game changer”. Posting on LinkedIn, he writes: “In order to elevate the principles to reality we need to translate them into demands. For a vital social movement, a clear set of demands are therefore key. In the demands, a movement defines what needs to be achieved. A good demand is powerful, concise and short enough to get it on a banner.”
“In my opinion the organic sector and movement should take time to redefine and redesign its Four Principles of Organic to (reflect) today’s urgent societal status. And it should have the courage to translate the principles in an outspoken set of organic demands”
He adds: “In my opinion the organic sector and movement should take time to redefine and redesign its Four Principles of Organic to (reflect) today’s urgent societal status. And it should have the courage to translate the principles in an outspoken set of organic demands. Regardless if that challenges the existing power structures.”
Time to stand up
Van Marlen says “it is time for organic to stand up” and show the “bold leadership … that Mother Earth needs as we are heading for extinction”.
Image: Ronald van Marlen presenting at Biofach