South Asia Farmers Conference is one of the major events of Caritas Asia where grassroot level farmers gather to learn and share concerns. This year’s conference is being hosted by Caritas Sri Lanka and will be held in the Diocese of Kurunegala from the 16th to the 22nd of September 2009.

Participants include farmers and Programme Officers from the following countries – Caritas Bangladesh, Caritas India, Caritas Nepal, Caritas Pakistan, Caritas Cambodia, Caritas Philippines, Caritas Indonesia, Caritas Mongolia, Caritas Asia, and Caritas Thailand. There will also be Government and NGO members who will participate in the Conference.

Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers’ Rights (SAFaR) and Creation of Amiable Environment is one of the four major strategic priorities of Caritas Asia. The Conference and Workshop are yearly events in the SAFaR Programme.

Exposure visits to Galaha Gami Sevana, Seth Sarana Model Farm and Rajangana village have been arranged for the delegates to disseminate knowledge and to share experiences in local sustainable farming techniques.

Since 1995, the SAFaR programmes have contributed towards strengthening farmers networks for the promotion of sustainable agriculture techniques that are both economically viable and socially just. It also provides a venue where farmers can share their learning and voice out concerns on such subjects as preservation of farmers’ rights over seeds, livelihoods culture, indigenous knowledge, fair agricultural trade and climate changes.

The first Farmers Conference was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand when Southeast Asia initiated the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. In the South Asia region, the Farmers Conference was first held in Nepal in 2001.

At this conference Rev. Fr. Damian Fernando, National Director, Caritas Sri Lanka will deliver the Welcome Speech and the Keynote Address will be delivered by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Anthony Perera, Bishop of Kurunegala and Chairman, Catholic National Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development.