Fair

European farmers are angry: addressing root causes would overcome polarisation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

On Wednesday February 1, I stood side-by-side with the farmers who had taken over Place Luxembourg and the streets adjacent to the European Parliament in Brussels. On my way, long lines of tractors with Belgian, French and Dutch plates could be seen almost a kilometre away from the square. As I drew closer to the scene, the sound of their horns and the smell of burned tires saturated my ears and nose. Farmers’ multiple voicesHowever, once I entered the square the idea that I was participating to such an event became much more nuanced and complex.

Key Points: 


On Wednesday February 1, I stood side-by-side with the farmers who had taken over Place Luxembourg and the streets adjacent to the European Parliament in Brussels. On my way, long lines of tractors with Belgian, French and Dutch plates could be seen almost a kilometre away from the square. As I drew closer to the scene, the sound of their horns and the smell of burned tires saturated my ears and nose.

Farmers’ multiple voices

  • However, once I entered the square the idea that I was participating to such an event became much more nuanced and complex.
  • Green and yellow banners of left-wing unions and groups, along with Belgian and Flemish flags crying out their nationalist aspirations.
  • Close to the entrance, a banner cloaking the statue of English-born industrialist John Cockerill called on farmers to “Say no to despotism” and organize against environmental measures.
  • From the stage, speakers urged the public and policy-makers to address retailers’ power, market concentration, cheap prices and exploited labour.


Far from a mere matter of urban landscape, understanding the complexity of the struggles that day matters for politics. If we truly want to learn from what is happening and elaborate policy responses, it is essential we acknowledge that there was not one uniform square but rather diverging visions for the future likely stemming from the same structural weaknesses.

Farmers’ doppelgangers?

  • Although incompatible, both responses arose from a common sense of isolation, dissatisfaction, frustration, and realisation that society – and its economy – had failed many of us.
  • Rather than confronting and identifying the common origin of our condition, we fight.
  • In Place Luxembourg, I believed I could trace back the common origin of farmers’ grievances to one slogan above all: “Free Farmers!

‘Free Farmers! Stop Free Trade!’

  • Hence the renaming of the Mercosur trade agreement: “cars for cow” deal.
  • In agriculture, untrammelled free trade and the obsession with competitiveness have led to lower income, market concentration, dependency on powerful buyers, exploitation of nature, animals and labor, and land abandonment.

Tangible policies to overcome polarisation

  • If we want to overcome the current polarisation, it is key that we adopt policies that address the root causes of the problem.
  • From 2020 to 2023, I led a research-action project FASS-Food EU , which brought together farmers, consumers, workers, environmental organizations and EU policy makers to unpack and improve the EU’s agri-food system.
  • The aim was to collectively reflect on the regulatory and policy obstacles prevented the bloc from enjoying food chains that are Fair, Accessible, Sustainable and Short (FASS-Food).


Revising the 2019 Unfair Trading Practices Directive could give the EU and Member States the possibility of sanctioning large commercial players that purchase food at a price that does not guarantee living wage of farmers and workers.
Via competition law, EU and national authorities can break up the trade and distribution oligopolies, while trade law can also be deployed to rethink existing trade agreements and the impact of global competitiveness on food systems both in Europe and among trading partners.
Governments initiatives can help citizens to better feed themselves. Belgium’s Sécurité sociale de l'alimentation is one such example: drawing from fiscal revenues, public administrations issue food vouchers for citizens, which can be used to purchase food that respects social and environmental standards.
Whichever solutions we opt for, we will not find them in more of the same market dynamics or in another round of technological fixes. A vast toolbox exists, but unlocking it requires that we accept that food is not just like any another global commodity, with farmers’ protests just the tip of the iceberg.
Tomaso Ferrando ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d'une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n'a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

Policy Pathways Offers Youth Early Insights to Public Service Careers

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Policy Pathways is a partner of the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and will continue this collaboration in 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Policy Pathways is a partner of the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and will continue this collaboration in 2024.
  • Early exposure to public policy and international affairs helps prepare young people for college and inspires them to visualize themselves in public service careers.
  • Additionally, Policy Pathways will hold its Pathways to LIFE Abroad International Education and Global Careers Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
  • Policy Pathways is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for individuals ages 15-25 who are interested in public policy, public administration, international affairs, and policy-related sectors.

Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council Partnered with the Broward Sheriff's Office and Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County to Host Annual Shopping with the Sheriff for 200 Children

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, along with the Broward Sheriff's Office and Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County, hosted their annual Shopping with the Sheriff event on Thursday, December 14, 2023, providing a holiday shopping experience for two hundred children in South Florida.

Key Points: 
  • FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, along with the Broward Sheriff's Office and Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County, hosted their annual Shopping with the Sheriff event on Thursday, December 14, 2023, providing a holiday shopping experience for two hundred children in South Florida.
  • Held at the Walmart Supercenter in Fort Lauderdale, elementary-age children were greeted by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and volunteers across all areas of the Broward Sheriff's Office, including sworn and civilian staff, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue personnel, and members of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council and the Sheriff's Foundation of Broward County for a day full of holiday shopping.
  • "By looking at the smiles on the kids' faces, you could see how much joy it brought to them," shared Mike Triggiano, Vice Chairman of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council.
  • The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council's Community Outreach program, amongst five others, is devoted to fortifying robust connections within the diverse communities of Broward County.

Sheriffs Use New Data Analytics to Reduce Crime

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

PLYMOUTH, Mass., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BI² Technologies, a national leader in providing biometric identification technologies, today announced the nation-wide launch of Scientia CJI™, a data analytics system that helps Sheriffs more effectively use actionable intelligence and insight from their existing data to reduce crime in their communities.

Key Points: 
  • PLYMOUTH, Mass., Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BI² Technologies, a national leader in providing biometric identification technologies, today announced the nation-wide launch of Scientia CJI™, a data analytics system that helps Sheriffs more effectively use actionable intelligence and insight from their existing data to reduce crime in their communities.
  • Scientia™ CJI Reports, is a data analytics system that helps Sheriffs target resources based on insight from their data.
  • Scientia is a Latin word that means insight and knowledge, based on demonstrable and reproducible data.
  • Scientia CJI™ helps Sheriffs' Offices uncover meaningful patterns, trends, knowledge and – most importantly – provides insights about offenders in their communities from the Criminal Justice Information data the Sheriff's staff collects each day.

Ximenez aims to increase international business with focus on U.S., Mexico, other markets

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

FRANKFURT, Germany, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spanish lighting company Ximenez Group plans to increase its international presence, with a focus on the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, to deseasonalize its business without overlooking to continue lighting Christmas.

Key Points: 
  • FRANKFURT, Germany, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spanish lighting company Ximenez Group plans to increase its international presence, with a focus on the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East, to deseasonalize its business without overlooking to continue lighting Christmas.
  • "Christmasworld is our point of contact with our customers, both international and national," explained Ilmex Manager Cristina Domínguez, who stressed that they also focus on showing their new concepts for the rest of the year.
  • In this case, the company has highlighted its commitment to the decorative perspective with Ecogreenlux, a design that allows 60% energy savings and 93% less light pollution.
  • At present, around 50 % of its business in Spain depends on the Christmas campaign, although this rises to almost 90 % internationally, with a presence in more than 300 cities around the world.

Public Charter School Fair to Showcase Local Education Options, Offer Free Fun

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 19, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina has one of the highest rates of charter enrollment growth in the nation. If your family has chosen or is interested in choosing a charter school, come celebrate this learning option at a fun-filled charter school fair at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Key Points: 
  • If your family has chosen or is interested in choosing a charter school, come celebrate this learning option at a fun-filled charter school fair at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park on Saturday, Jan. 27.
  • Participating schools include Socrates Academy, Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy, Apprentice Academy, Carolina International School, Charlotte Lab School, Community Public Charter School, KIPP North Carolina Public Schools, Telra Institute, and more.
  • Hispanic students are the fastest-growing community in charter schools nationwide according to the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools.
  • "With families choosing public charter schools at an unprecedented rate in North Carolina, what better time is there to celebrate these unique public schools than during National School Choice Week?

School Discovery Day at The DoSeum to Feature Scavenger Hunt, 30+ Local Schools

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 15, 2024

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the choice school enrollment season arrives for the 2024-2025 academic year, a School Discovery Day at The DoSeum will connect families with more than 30 school options. Hosted by San Antonio Charter Moms, the event will feature free admittance to the DoSeum, a scavenger hunt, and firsthand support for families navigating their school choices.

Key Points: 
  • SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the choice school enrollment season arrives for the 2024-2025 academic year, a School Discovery Day at The DoSeum will connect families with more than 30 school options.
  • Hosted by San Antonio Charter Moms, the event will feature free admittance to the DoSeum, a scavenger hunt, and firsthand support for families navigating their school choices.
  • During the event, The DoSeum's theater space will be packed with school booths for families to explore, from technology-themed schools to classical options.
  • The School Discovery Day at The DoSeum is the flagship event in a series of Discovery Days that San Antonio Charter Moms is hosting this school year to connect families with local schools.

International buyers return at first three Hong Kong trade fairs in 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 11, 2024

The four-day physical fairs attracted some 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions and saw international buyers return, a promising start for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) trade shows this year.

Key Points: 
  • The four-day physical fairs attracted some 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions and saw international buyers return, a promising start for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) trade shows this year.
  • Toy Box, a wholesaler of learning and STEM toys from the US, returned to the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair.
  • The Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair featured the latest in school and office supplies, creative art supplies and gift stationery.
  • For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, please visit the following websites:
    HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair:
    HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair:
    Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en/success-stories
    HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: http://hktoyfair.hktdc.com/
    HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: http://hkbabyfair.hktdc.com/
    Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair: http://hkstationeryfair.com/
    HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council Hosts Annual Sharing With Others Turkey Distribution for Families in Broward County

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 11, 2024

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broward Sheriff Advisory Council, in partnership with the Broward Sheriff's Office, hosted its annual Sharing with Others Turkey Distribution on Saturday, November 18, 2023, providing Thanksgiving meals to Broward County families in South Florida.

Key Points: 
  • FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Broward Sheriff Advisory Council, in partnership with the Broward Sheriff's Office, hosted its annual Sharing with Others Turkey Distribution on Saturday, November 18, 2023, providing Thanksgiving meals to Broward County families in South Florida.
  • In the spirt of giving, the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council raised over $40,000 to provide Broward County families, selected by School Resource Deputies, with the necessities to celebrate the holiday and enjoy one of the year's best home-cooked meals.
  • "Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together, create cherished traditions, and build lasting relationships," shared Andy Mitchell, Chairman for the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council.
  • Community Outreach is one of the five areas of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.

LA Art Show Kicks Off on Valentine's Day with a Global Lineup

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 11, 2024

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The LA Art Show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center from February 14-18 to kick off the city's 2024 art season. The fair debuts with an Opening Night Premiere Party on Valentine's Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale in collaboration with LA Art Show's new charity partner, American Heart Association, celebrating its centennial. The LA Art Show will donate 15% of proceeds from every ticket to the American Heart Association's Life is Why ™ campaign. 

Key Points: 
  • The fair debuts with an Opening Night Premiere Party on Valentine's Day hosted by award-winning actress Lucy Hale in collaboration with LA Art Show's new charity partner, American Heart Association, celebrating its centennial.
  • The LA Art Show will donate 15% of proceeds from every ticket to the American Heart Association's Life is Why ™ campaign.
  • Curated by Marisa Caichiolo, the Fair's non-commercial program, DIVERSEartLA is partnering with seven international art institutions to explore the intersection of memory, humanity, and AI.
  • Athletes for Life: In a new collaboration, the LA Art Show, Expanded Learning (EXL) and Athletes for Life (AFL) Foundation launch the Southern California Art "n" the Schools Art Contest, inviting SoCal students to submit their artwork.