Family farmers are needed for the transformation of agrifood systems. The facts speak for themselves: they produce over 80% of the food in the world and occupy up to 80% farmland, mostly operate at small-scale level, since 95% of existing farm units are less than 5 hectares big and more than 98% of farms are less than 20 hectares in size

Despite this huge contribution, many remain the most affected by poverty and exclusion. They are more likely not to see their human rights respected, including their right to adequate food, particularly in times of COVID-19.

Yet, the launch of the UN Decade of Family Farming 2019 - 2028 (UNDFF) marked a turning point. This is opening a gateway into the future, putting the rights of family farmers at the centre of attention.