International Year for Family Farming. Acknowledging the political dialogue for rural territories

Abstract

The General Assembly of the United Nations designated 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF). This article examines the institutional recognition of Family Farming (FF) as a category of analysis that represents a large and heterogeneous sector of the rural population and an engine for development. The Political Dialogue is presented as an effective tool to strengthen regional integration in the MERCOSUR and to boost the participation of civil society. The policy agenda for FF and the role ofFIDAMERCOSUR program are discussed.